Globalization and Uncertainty in Latin America

Fernando López–Alves is Professor of Sociology and Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara. Diane E. Johnson is Assistant Professor of Political Science, Lebanon Valley College.

"In this timely collection, Lopez-Alves and Johnson bring together a seasoned team of sociologists, political scientists, historians, and linguists to explore the multiple impacts and consequences of uncertainty as one of the most noticeable aspects of globalization in Latin America today. The varied chapters show that uncertainty has not been eliminated as globalization has proceeded, but rather extends well beyond concerns about the future of the economy and is now shaping culture, society, and politics in the region. Simply put, it one of the most important variables in understanding Latin America's tumultuous integration into the new globalized order. The authors have done the scholarly and policy communities a great service by bringing to our attention the central role that uncertainly plays in the region." - William I. Robinson, Professor of Sociology and Latin American Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara"This edited volume is a state-of-the-art contribution to some of the most intriguing queries about Latin America's unprecedented levels of uncertainty. In a scholarly-documented way, it exposes the effects of neoliberal policies, which in several countries have concentrated income and eroded the rule of law. Globalization's promise of stability and growth has gone largely unfulfilled. Here are some of the reasons why." - Carlos Escude, Director, Centro de Estudios Internacionales y de Educacion para la Globalizacion (CEIEG), Universidad del CEMA, Buenos Aires"The authors make a significant contribution to globalization scholarship by shifting emphasis to Latin America; this will lead to a rethinking of the field." - Zita Nunes, Assistant Professor of English, University of Maryland"This is a very good, timely book that will add to the theory of globalization and the literature on the effects of globalization... Highly recommended." - CHOICE

• Introduction: Globalization and Uncertainty in Latin America - Fernando López-Alves and Diane E. Johnson * PART I: THE UNCERTAINTIES OF LIBERALISM AND NEOLIBERALISM  * Victorian Globalization in Microcosm: The Rise and Fall of Jabez Spencer Balfour - David Rock * Uncertainty, the Construction of the Future, and the Divorce between Citizens and the State - Fernando López-Alves * Isomorphic Neoliberalism and the Creation of Inevitability - Miguel Ángel Centeno * Can the Backlash against Globalization Be Contained? - Benjamin J. Cohen * PART II:  UNCERTAIN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY  * Globalization and Public Policy in the Americas: Are We Heading toward Convergence? - Diane E. Johnson * Development Assistance, the Environment, and Stakeholder Participation: Toward a New Conditionality? - Jonathan Rosenberg * PART III:  UNCERTAINTIES ABOUT JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS * Globalization and the Modern Conception of Human Rights - Steven Cassedy * Generating Uncertainty: Globalized Punishment and Crime - Thomas Siemsen * Conclusions - Diane E. Johnson& Fernando López–Alves