Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringThis Very Short Introduction offers a whirlwind tour through some of the major themes of Latin American politics, including populism, revolution, dictatorship, democracy, presidentialism, the left, and the right. Drawing on examples from all nineteen Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries of South America, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean, James Loxton considers the challenges of governing in the context of high poverty, inequality, and violence. Loxton examines dramatic episodes such as the Cuban Revolution of 1959, democratic breakdown in Chile in the 1970s, and Venezuela's slide into dictatorship in the 21st century. The book offers broader lessons about the fragility of democracy and the danger posed by elected strongmen claiming to be champions of "the people" in their struggle against "the elites." ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.