Deepening Democracy - by Francis Adams

About the Book

Adams surveys the impact of transnational organizations and NGOs on Latin American politics since 1990. The transition from military to civilian rule in Latin American countries has benefited local progressive forces, but resilient remnants favoring the past's authoritarian politics have compelled organizations like the UN, IMF, OAS, and World Bank to engage in various campaigns to deepen democratic institutions and norms. Adams argues that to understand current political transformations in the region, one must consider the existing role of external organizations. Latin America is offered as a prime example of the increased influence transnational authorities have over political decisions that had long been the exclusive prerogative of national governments.

Beginning with the Latin American experience, Adams reviews the contemporary character of power and politics in the area, outlining how democratic transitions have been limited. UN human rights and reform initiatives are considered. Adams scrutinizes the work of the World Bank, the IMF, and the Inter-American Development Bank to modernize public administration, strengthen political institutions, enhance transparency and accountability, and fortify civil society. He also examines the work and impact and the Organization of American States and various global citizens groups.

Book Synopsis

Adams surveys the impact of transnational organizations and NGOs on Latin American politics since 1990. The transition from military to civilian rule in Latin American countries has benefited local progressive forces, but resilient remnants favoring the past's authoritarian politics have compelled organizations like the UN, IMF, OAS, and World Bank to engage in various campaigns to deepen democratic institutions and norms. Adams argues that to understand current political transformations in the region, one must consider the existing role of external organizations. Latin America is offered as a prime example of the increased influence transnational authorities have over political decisions that had long been the exclusive prerogative of national governments.

Beginning with the Latin American experience, Adams reviews the contemporary character of power and politics in the area, outlining how democratic transitions have been limited. UN human rights and reform initiatives are considered. Adams scrutinizes the work of the World Bank, the IMF, and the Inter-American Development Bank to modernize public administration, strengthen political institutions, enhance transparency and accountability, and fortify civil society. He also examines the work and impact and the Organization of American States and various global citizens groups.

Review Quotes

?The author's underlying assumption is that democratic change is only possible and sustainable through grassroots participation. Democracy is understood here as driven by competitive politics, but participatory democracy and representative democracy offer ways to achieve reforms. Adams focuses on assessment of reform initiatives carried out by transnational organizations in Latin America since 1990....Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.?-Choice

?We welcome this book which puts Latin America in an international perspective. Americans who view the word "iberal" as dangerous and subversive may be disturbed by the picture on the front cover, which shows a political demonstration featuring banners proclaiming "PARTIDO LIBERAL" and "JUVENTUDE LIBERAL." They can relax: the word is used in it's harmless Brazilian sense.?-World Affairs Report

"We welcome this book which puts Latin America in an international perspective. Americans who view the word "iberal" as dangerous and subversive may be disturbed by the picture on the front cover, which shows a political demonstration featuring banners proclaiming "PARTIDO LIBERAL" and "JUVENTUDE LIBERAL." They can relax: the word is used in it's harmless Brazilian sense."-World Affairs Report

"The author's underlying assumption is that democratic change is only possible and sustainable through grassroots participation. Democracy is understood here as driven by competitive politics, but participatory democracy and representative democracy offer ways to achieve reforms. Adams focuses on assessment of reform initiatives carried out by transnational organizations in Latin America since 1990....Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above."-Choice

About the Author

FRANCIS ADAMS is Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate Director of the Graduate Program in International Studies at Old Dominion University.