The New Mole: Paths of the Latin American Left

by Emir Sader

The New Mole is a major new analysis of recent developments in Latin American politics by one of the continent’s leading political thinkers. Emir Sader explains the resurgence of radicalism in terms of the region’s history and explores its theoretical underpinning. The book is unusual in combining succinct judgments with broad chronological and geographical sweep—covering a period running from the early twentieth century to the present and detailing the political interplay between nations.

Sader points to areas where Latin America offers new insights to the world—on indigenous questions, for example—and areas where political thought lags behind practice, as in Venezuela. He also examines the process of regional integration under way in Latin America, which stands out because it is occurring independently of Washington. Looking at the role of political and ideological struggles in defining the continent’s trajectory, Sader concludes with an optimistic affirmation of agency that is all the more convincing for its sobriety.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jakoś same książki o socjalizmie czytam na tej kwarantannie

[Martin Empson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emir Sader's recent book is an attempt to grapple with the changing movements in South America and offer some direction forwards. Unfortunately the book is somewhat mechanical in its approach to historical change and while it acknowledges the problems of some of those governments (such as that of the Workers' Party in Brazil) which have failed to deliver much of the people's hopes, Sader tends to argue that better a slightly progressive bulwark against neoliberalism than none at all. Even if this means capitulating to the wider problems of the capitalist system.

Full review: http://resolutereader.blogspot.co.uk/...

[Rohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good big-picture look at the political philosophies and meanings of left-wing movements and governments in Latin America, with a general theme revolving around what strategies to take to resist and overthrow neoliberalism. This is definitely a book meant for a left-wing audience, and for people who have some level of familiarity with Latin American politics and history. Indeed some of the arguments can seem a bit conservative, or at least pessimistic, in terms of refuting the positions of what the author terms as "ultra-left" politics. But regardless this is a very thought-provoking book and does a great job of putting current events into a deep historical context.

[Christian Holtfort Delgadillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about History and, of course, Politics.
I love how it centers on Latin America and not other places in the world. There are so many things already said about the US, Europe, Russia, but not so many, at least that's what I think, about Latin America.
I'm rating it with three stars merely because I found it a bit heavy to read. It's a Politics book, after all, not fiction.
I did enjoy it very much.

[Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent wee read on the trends in the Latin American left and the ‘post-neoliberal’ governments of Lula, Chavez, and others. Points to the cyclical nature of Latin American politics and its change about every decade.

[John]

Great read. Short and wonderfully analytical primer on how to fight neoliberalism in practical ways using the power of the state, as exemplified by most Latin American countries to one degree or another in the last ten years. Less detail about the individual progressive governments than I would have wished, but contained some clear analysis that provokes a lot of thought.

[Lawrence John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional work. A Very useful approach to left strategy. I must read it again soon.