Benedicte Bull, Professor of Political Science, Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM), University of Oslo, Norway

'This book, as the author intended, does indeed shed light on the role of competing elites as well as the IFIs in shaping the resulting new political economy in Central America. It could not have come at a better time, since CAFTA is bringing the issue to the streets again in these and other countries of the region. This book is definitely a "must read" for all those interested in the topic.'

• Contents: Preface 1. Privatization Puzzles 2. The Politics of Privatization 3. Guatemala: Privatization in a Captured State 4. Costa Rica: In Defense of the Welfare State 5. Honduras: Privatization in the Ritual Aid Dance 6. Comparisons and Conclusions: Privatization, Development and Legitimacy Bibliography Index

Benedicte Bull, Professor of Political Science, Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM), University of Oslo, Norway

'This book, as the author intended, does indeed shed light on the role of competing elites as well as the IFIs in shaping the resulting new political economy in Central America. It could not have come at a better time, since CAFTA is bringing the issue to the streets again in these and other countries of the region. This book is definitely a "must read" for all those interested in the topic.'

• Contents: Preface 1. Privatization Puzzles 2. The Politics of Privatization 3. Guatemala: Privatization in a Captured State 4. Costa Rica: In Defense of the Welfare State 5. Honduras: Privatization in the Ritual Aid Dance 6. Comparisons and Conclusions: Privatization, Development and Legitimacy Bibliography Index

Benedicte Bull, Professor of Political Science, Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM), University of Oslo, Norway

'This book, as the author intended, does indeed shed light on the role of competing elites as well as the IFIs in shaping the resulting new political economy in Central America. It could not have come at a better time, since CAFTA is bringing the issue to the streets again in these and other countries of the region. This book is definitely a "must read" for all those interested in the topic.'

• Contents: Preface 1. Privatization Puzzles 2. The Politics of Privatization 3. Guatemala: Privatization in a Captured State 4. Costa Rica: In Defense of the Welfare State 5. Honduras: Privatization in the Ritual Aid Dance 6. Comparisons and Conclusions: Privatization, Development and Legitimacy Bibliography Index