David Close - Böcker

First published in 1985. Revolution has been often defined, often abused as a descriptive term for elements of the political process. This book analyses the concept of revolution, and discusses ways in which this concept has changed from Aristotle to the late twentieth-century. The historical circumstances which have shaped the idea and caused it to change are outlined. Special attention is given to the Marxist tradition and to modernisation theory. The case studies comprise the Soviet Union since the Bolshevik Revolution, Nazi Germany 1933-45, China from about 1920, the struggle for political independence and economic development in Guinea-Bissau since the 1950s and the significance of the 1968 explosion in France. This book is intended for undergraduate students of history and politics. The emphasis is placed on the interpretation of political events and ideas. The book also seeks to introduce the vital contribution that can be made to the study of revolution by other disciplines like sociology and philosophy.

First published in 1985. Revolution has been often defined, often abused as a descriptive term for elements of the political process. This book analyses the concept of revolution, and discusses ways in which this concept has changed from Aristotle to the late twentieth-century. The historical circumstances which have shaped the idea and caused it to change are outlined. Special attention is given to the Marxist tradition and to modernisation theory. The case studies comprise the Soviet Union since the Bolshevik Revolution, Nazi Germany 1933-45, China from about 1920, the struggle for political independence and economic development in Guinea-Bissau since the 1950s and the significance of the 1968 explosion in France. This book is intended for undergraduate students of history and politics. The emphasis is placed on the interpretation of political events and ideas. The book also seeks to introduce the vital contribution that can be made to the study of revolution by other disciplines like sociology and philosophy.

In an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990's. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country's two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua's basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country's political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.

In an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990's. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country's two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua's basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country's political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.

Latin American Politics, Second Edition is a thematic introduction to the political systems of all 20 Latin American countries. The approach is self-consciously comparative and encourages students to develop stronger comparative analysis skills through such topics as history, violence, democracy, and political economy. Fully updated and revised, this second edition also includes a new chapter on parties, elections, and movements. Each chapter is now framed by a prologue and an epilogue to engage students and provide more country-specific content.