Handbook of Latin American Politics

The Handbook of Latin American Politics provides a comprehensive overview of the actors, institutions, and challenges shaping politics, governance and democracy across the region. With over 70 entries by leading scholars, it examines the interplay of social movements, political elites, civil society, state institutions, and international actors, revealing both the promise and perils of democratic and institutional development in Latin America. The volume explores how grassroots mobilization and resistance confront democratic backsliding, how institutional design and accountability shape resilience or decay, and how pressing policy challenges—from inequality and migration to social conflict and environmental governance—reshape political dynamics. Special attention is given to public administration, highlighting bureaucratic autonomy, civil service reform, decentralization, corruption, and transparency as crucial dimensions of state capacity and citizen trust. In addition, the Handbook situates regional politics within broader global influences, including international organizations, financial institutions, and social media, and provides detailed case studies of 20 countries. An essential reference for scholars, students, and practitioners, this Handbook will appeal to those interested in Latin American politics, democratization, public administration, political economy, and global governance. Key Features:73 entries written by expert scholarsCoverage of the last two decades of Latin American politics, including post-pandemic developmentsAnalysis of six core dimensions: social actors, institutions, democracy, international actors, policy challenges, and public administration20 country case studies