Elites and Democratic Consolidation in Latin America and Southern Europe

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Elites and Democratic Consolidation in Latin America and Southern Europe
Authors and Contributors      Edited by John Higley
Edited by Richard Gunther
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:372
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 153
ISBN/Barcode 9780521424226
ClassificationsDewey:321.8
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 4 Tables, unspecified; 2 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 29 November 1991
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Employing a framework that focuses on the actions and choices of elites in creating consolidated democracies, a distinguished group of scholars examines Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Without ignoring the roles of mass publics and institutions, the authors conclude that in independent states with long records of political instability and authoritarian rule, democratic consolidation requires the achievement of elite "consensual unity"--that is, agreement among all politically important elites on the worth of existing democratic institutions and respect for democratic rules-of-the-game, coupled with increased "structural integration" among those elites.

Reviews

' ... An excellent volume, discussing important problems over a wide range of countries with intelligence and style.' Edward Malefakis, Columbia University