Democracies in Development: Politics and Reform in Latin America (Inter-American Development Bank)

The spread of democracy over the past two decades in Latin America has contributed significantly to ensuring fundamental political freedom, civil liberties and human rights. Democracies in Development--published in cooperation with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance--makes it clear that a legitimate and effective democracy is also essential for sustainable economic and social development. The book analyzes the effects of institutions on democratic systems, identifies regional trends in democratic reform, and assesses efforts to enhance governance. Chapters focus on the quality of democratic politics; citizen support for democracy and electoral participation; presidential democracy; political party systems; the balance of power between the executive and legislature; the authority of accountability agencies; and mechanisms to facilitate more direct citizen participation. Appendices outline the institutional structures of the region's democracies and examine voter turnout since 1978. The accompanying CD-ROM features country-by-country election results for presidential and legislative elections. International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance "A thorough and systematic analysis of the workings of executive, legislative and party institutions in Latin America. Timely and essential reading for both scholars and democratic reformers alike."--Arturo Valenzuela, Center for Latin American Studies, Georgetown University "This book provides a wealth of useful information never before assembled about problems of fundamental importance in our hemisphere. What is the relationship between political institutions and development performance? What kinds of political reforms have been undertaken in Latin America in the post-1978 period of democratization? What have been the consequences of political reform? " --Scott Mainwaring Kellogg Institute for International Studies, University of Notre Dame "If the countries of the region are to surmount the serious social, economic and political challenges facing them, it is clear that efforts must be renewed to deepen and enhance the performance of democracy. This book is an invaluable contribution to discussions about the state of democracy in Latin America and the potential ways forward for building more accountable and effective democratic systems."--Cesar Gaviria, Secretary General of the Organization of American States