Global Studies: Latin America & the Caribbean – Serie

An authoritative yet accessible introduction to the history, politics, and society of one of Latin America's most enigmatic and culturally diverse countries.Mexico: A Global Studies Handbook is an ideal introduction to the United States’ southern neighbor for students, travelers, businesspeople, or other interested readers. It debunks a variety of myths and misconceptions that have evolved over time, clarifying the realities of both historic and contemporary Mexico.Mexico offers an authoritative yet engaging tour of Mexican history and geography, as well its current economic and business climate, governmental structure, popular culture, and society. It also provides an alphabetically organized “mini-encyclopedia” for quick access to information on notable Mexican people, places, and events. Together, these sections provide everything readers need to understand Mexico’s pre-Colombian origins, colonial legacies of dependence and Westernization, and its continuing efforts to craft a national identity.Maps of both historic Mexico and its modern political divisions plus images of monuments, buildings, natural attractions, and the variety of cultures within the countryA detailed chronology of Mexico from pre-Colombian times through the years of colonialism and independence to the present

This fascinating work provides an enlightening guided tour of the island of Cuba's historical, political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present.Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook offers a revealing look at a nation that, in its ongoing pursuit of freedom, has been a colonial pawn, a neocolonial paradise for corrupt politicians and dictators, an alluring vacation destination, a defiant Communist holdout and embarrassing thorn in the side of the powerful United States. Drawing heavily on his own research and experiences on the island, the author follows Cuba’s political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present—with an emphasis on the revolutionary period. The book’s reference section includes alphabetically organized entries on important people, places, and historical events, as well as shorter sections on Cuban Spanish, national traditions and holidays, cuisines, and important organizations. Also featured is a chart tracing the development of Cuban popular music and a listener's guide to some of the best available recordings.A useful reference section provides a descriptive alphabetical listing of specific information on important people, places, and historical events, as well as sections on Cuban Spanish, etiquette, national habits and traditions, cuisine, holidays, and important organizationsIncludes a detailed chronology of Cuban history from pre-Columbian times to the present, with emphasis on the revolutionary triumph of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Castro's enduring Communist regime, and the economic crisis of the "special period" that began in Cuba in 1990

This work is a unique exploration of modern Argentina, combining narrative historical chapters with a reference section covering the nation's most important cultural figures, places, and events.Argentina: A Global Studies Handbook is a revealing look at South America’s second largest nation, providing an interdisciplinary introduction to the country’s economy, history, geography, politics, government, society, and culture.Argentina spans over five centuries of the nation’s evolution—from the arrival of the conquistadors through the years of revolution and independence, from the Peron era and the often difficult post-Peron transitioning, to the surprising success of current president Néstor Kirchner. The book features both narrative chapters on the country's history and culture, and a reference section with alphabetically organized entries on important people, places, events, and more. There is no better place to begin an investigation of Argentine society and culture, its rich artistic traditions and volatile politics, and the dramatic history that shaped the nation as it is today.Includes maps of early colonial trade routs between Spain and South America, major Argentine cities and provinces, and the topography of Argentina, as well as photographs of early immigrants, the mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, and famous Argentines like Evita PeronOffers a chronology from the days of early Spanish exploration to recent events like the fall of the De la Rúa administration and the presidency of Néstor Kirchner

This work is a fascinating guide to one of Latin America's most stable and progressive nations, examining the country's development, unique features, and the challenges Costa Ricans face in the 21st century.Costa Rica: A Global Studies Handbook offers readers an authoritative tour of a remarkable country, tracing its historical development from pre-Colombian inhabitants and Spanish colonization through rising prosperity in the mid-19th century to current struggles to define itself economically and politically. Costa Rica combines narrative chapters on the nation's history and the current state of its political, social, and cultural institutions with alphabetically organized entries covering important people, places, and events in its development. Throughout, the authors, drawing on extensive research and their own experiences, highlight the many ways Costa Rica is different from its neighbors, as well as the challenges the country faces in the 21st century’s globalized world.Provides a chronology of key events in the evolution of the nation of Costa Rica from early signs of civilization over three thousand years ago through colonization and independence to the presentIncludes political and geographical maps with photographs of natural attractions, tropical animals and plants, and the nation’s people