Latin America's Turn to the Left

After century-long struggles to develop its
economies in a sustainable way, Latin America
experienced a significant political change at the
beginning of this century: In a majority of the
countries in the region leaders from left-wing
parties were elected as president. This is
important, since it is a major shift in the region s
political orientation. The book discusses the
reasons behind this change. However, the main
research question to be answered in this book is
whether this political move in Latin America is
simply populism or a real step towards a new socio-
economic and political model. The answers to this
question are derived from a qualitative analysis,
which examines in detail the measures taken and
policies implemented by left-wing politicians in the
region, with a focus on the three sample countries
Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Finally, the book
introduces a model analysing various economic,
social, political and environmental factors in all
Latin American countries and their alterations since
the beginning of this century. The results of this
analysis allow a general assessment of the current
situation and the future potential of each country.

Autorentext
Petra Böhm, Mag.(FH): University education at the International Management Centre FH Krems (Austria), Degree Programm "Export- oriented Management". Currently working with Helbling Management Consulting in Zurich (Switzerland).

Klappentext
After century-long struggles to develop its economies in a sustainable way, Latin America experienced a significant political change at the beginning of this century: In a majority of the countries in the region leaders from left-wing parties were elected as president. This is important, since it is a major shift in the region's political orientation. The book discusses the reasons behind this change. However, the main research question to be answered in this book is whether this political move in Latin America is simply populism or a real step towards a new socio- economic and political model. The answers to this question are derived from a qualitative analysis, which examines in detail the measures taken and policies implemented by left-wing politicians in the region, with a focus on the three sample countries Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Finally, the book introduces a model analysing various economic, social, political and environmental factors in all Latin American countries and their alterations since the beginning of this century. The results of this analysis allow a general assessment of the current situation and the future potential of each country.