Politics of the Rio Grande Valley - by Carlos D Gutierrez-Mannix & Alexandre Couture Gagnon (Hardcover)

About the Book

A regional approach to politics in the U.S., Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics is the first book of its kind to directly address the intricate factors influencing how southern Texas continues to develop politically.

Book Synopsis

Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics provides a nuanced understanding of regional politics in Southern Texas. While most research tends to focus on macro and international structures, here Carlos D. Gutierrez-Mannix and Alexandre Couture Gagnon lead and present an in-depth analysis of the region and the social, political and historical contexts in which it developed. Each chapter is written by professors who are specialists in their field and who have extensive knowledge on the politics of the Rio Grande Valley. From a social, historical and political perspective, Politics of the Rio Grande Valley allows the reader to understand how the Rio Grande Valley is a unique region which continues to evolve and which plays an important role in Texas and American Politics.

Review Quotes

"Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics is a must-read contribution, bringing together authors who live, experience, and research the Rio Grande Valley. Covering an array of topics, from the environment to border policies and political behavior, this volume offers readers an in-depth understanding of the multiple factors that shape what is a fast-growing border region, at the junction of state, national and international politics. While this volume offers a clear contribution to border studies, as the authors do not shy away from the role the border plays in the region, it also presents readers with an analysis of multiple issues that collide and co-exist in the Rio Grande Valley beyond the border." --Andréanne Bissonnette, Western Washington University, USA

"Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics offers readers a nuanced and authoritative perspective of the socio-political landscape of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), providing valuable insights into the complexities of border politics. With contributions by the region's leading and emerging experts, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in regional development and governance. It fills a significant gap in the literature and offers original perspectives on the ever-evolving dynamics of border politics, while the inclusion of new datasets from local university students adds fresh, invaluable insights. The volume delves into the intricate political landscape of the RGV and provides a nuanced analysis of the region's complexities, making it essential for anyone seeking to understand the future of borderlands communities and the pivotal role of the RGV in this narrative. Highly recommended!" --T. Mark Montoya, Association for Borderlands Studies Past President (2022-2023)

"Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics is an essential volume on the multiple topics of a fascinating and complex border region. It is a must-read book with perspectives from both sides of the US-Mexico border." --Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, George Mason University, USA

About the Author

Carlos D. Gutierrez-Mannix is full time lecturer in the department of political science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Alexandre Couture Gagnon is associate professor in the department of political science at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).