Can the experience of the 1980s in Latin America be analyzed and evaluated to shed light on prospects for the 1990s? The central objective of this volume is to survey the development experience of the Latin American region in the 1980s and explore prospects for the coming decade. In this context, themes of crucial importance for the region are examined, including democratic consolidation, income distribution, the environment, hyperinflation, and the debt problem. Although socioeconomic and political aspects are emphasized, issues of equity and the environment are of special importance. Case studies of Peru, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba provide fresh information on these issues in specific countries. The book focuses on the problem of development at a critical juncture in the evolution of the region. Not surprisingly, the contributors express differing points of view, but have in common the sense of the urgency of development problems that face Latin America.Central issues concerning the region's economy are the focus in the first part of the book. In the second part, key issue areas for the future are discussed. Of central concern in an exploration of the prospects for Latin America is the sustainability and improvement of democratization which proceeded in the 1980s. On the whole, the authors are not optimistic. The immense economic difficulties faced by the region--the debt overhang, the large and continuing overflow of financial and real resources, hyperinflation in some countries--will not be easy to manage. Although there are no guarantees that income distribution will be improved, among the positive developments foreseen for the 1990s are improved economic management, the addressing of environmental issues, and greater attention to issues of women's rights. This book should serve as a useful and timely guide to a complex region for both students and policymakers.

Themes of crucial importance for the region are examined, including democratic consolidation, income distribution, the environment, hyperinflation, and the debt problem, and case studies are provided.

IntroductionEconomic Prospects and Central Policy IssuesThe Economic Outlook for Latin America in the 1990s by Enrique V. IglesiasThe Development of Latin American and Caribbean Countries in the 1980s and Prospects for the Future by Gert RosenthalHyperinflation in Latin America: The Search for Developmental Solutions by Gary McMahonGlobal Income Redistribution: An Alternate Perspective on the Latin American Debt Crisis by Myron J. FrankmanTrade and Industrial Policy in Latin America: Issues for the 1990s by David GloverSociety, Economy, And Ecology: Toward Equity And SustainabilityDistribution of Income and Poverty in Latin America: Recent Trends and Challenges for the 1990s by Albert BerryBrazilian Amazonia: From Destruction to Sustainable Development? by Rolf Wesche and Michael SmallWomen and Human Rights in Latin America: Challenges for the 1990s? by Elizabeth SpeharChanging Informal Settlements in Latin American Cities by Yvonne Riaño and Rolf WescheThe Sustainability of DemocratizationBack to Populism: Latin America's Alternative to Democracy by Julian Castro Rea, Graciela Ducatenzeiler, and Philippe FaucherPublic Trust and the Consolidation of Latin American Democracies by Luis Roniger"Governability" and the Receiver State in Latin America: Analysis and Prospects by Jorge Nef and Remonda BensabatChile: Redemocratization or the Entrenchment of Counterrevolution? by Nibaldo Galleguillos and Jorge NefArgentina: An Underdeveloping Country? by Alberto CiriaMicro and Macro Logics of Political Conflict: The Informal Sector and Institutional Change in Peru and Mexico by Maxwell A. CameronThe State and Economic Crisis in Mexico: Restructuring the Parastate Sector by Judith TeichmanProspects for Economic and Political Change in Cuba in the 1990s by Archibald R.M. RitterGeneral BibliographyIndex