Lynne Rienner Publishers Logo

Venezuela in the Wake of Radical Reform

Joseph S. Tulchin with Gary Bland, editors
 
ISBN: 978-1-55587-364-6
$11.95
1993/192 pages/LC: 92-33571

"This book is valuable reading for those who want to examine the arguments in favor of neoliberalism in Venezuela, presented in their clearest and most logical form. Analyzing these positions is a first step toward understanding what went wrong."—Journal of Developing Areas

DESCRIPTION

Venezuela, Latin America's second-oldest democracy, today faces its greatest challenge. Recovering from the attempted military coup of February 1992 and seeking resolution of a severe crisis of presidential legitimacy, the Perez government must now fight for its survival.

This book explores the roots of Venezuela's current crisis. The authors trace the country's democratic development, offer in-depth studies of the processes of state reform and economic restructuring launched by President Perez in 1989, discuss recent changes in Venezuela's foreign policy, and consider the role of the main political opposition. They also evaluate the first year of the Perez government. Concluding with an insightful analysis of the startling events of February 4, 1992, and the institutional obstacles that Venezuela must now overcome, the book provides an excellent overview of the country at a March 14, 1997 critical juncture in its history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joseph S. Tulchin is former director of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Gary Bland is program associate of the Latin American Program at the Wilson Center. A Congressional legislative assistant from 1986 to 1989, his work has focused on Central America.

CONTENTS

  • Introduction—C. Gueró.
  • VENEZUELA'S DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT.
  • Venezuelan Democracy in Historical Perspective——G. Carrera Damas.
  • Commentary—D. Myers; L. Diamond.
  • THE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.
  • The Launching of Radical Policy Changes, 1989-1991—M. Nam.
  • THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA.
  • The Reform of the State in Latin American Perspective—C. Blanco.
  • Foreign Policy in Times of Change—B. Rangel.
  • Commentary—S. Shelton-Colby.
  • Discussion.
  • VENEZUELAN POLITICS AND POLICYMAKING.
  • An Evaluation of the First Year of the Pérez Government—A. Stambouli.
  • Opposition in Times of Change—G. Tarre Briceño.
  • Commentary—J.D. Martz; D. Abente.
  • Discussion.
  • EPILOGUE.
  • The Political Management of Radical Economic Change—M. Nam.