"Through this book [Cardenas's] voice emerges as that of a determined but clear-eyed optimist, willing to confront the dark realities of politics and power but inclining toward what another Latin Americanist, Albert Hirschman, adopted as 'a bias for hope.' . . . In all, it is a remarkable compact synthesis on this sprawling subject." (Alexander Wilde, Journal of Latin American Studies) "Like the experience of human rights in Latin America which it details, Cardenas' text is rich and complex. Human Rights in Latin America: A Politics of Terror and Hope is a unique and engaging approach to the study of human rights in Latin America. It is a text that demands serious attention." (Carrie Booth Walling, Human Rights Quarterly) "Sonia Cardenas emphasizes [the themes of terror and hope] in her informative and lucid text . . . . This well-researched and readable book will be useful to anyone wanting to learn more about this important topic."" (James Franklin, Human Rights Review) "This is a book that can satisfy even the most demanding instructors . . . .Cardenas's analysis is always balanced, but at the same time she makes her points convincingly and forcefully." (Cesar Seveso, H-Net) "Solidly researched and gracefully written, Sonia Cardenas's Human Rights in Latin America fills a significant gap. It is a deceptively easy read, with plenty of substance but packaged in an accessible and fluent prose-a combination we see all too infrequently. It will be warmly welcomed by both students and their professors in courses on Latin American politics and inter-American relations." (Lars Schoultz. William Rand Kenan, Jr., Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
