Modern Latin American Revolutions

by Eric Selbin

In contrast to previous studies that have centered on the institutionalization of revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean, Modern Latin American Revolutions, Second Edition, introduces the concept of consolidation of the revolutionary process?the efforts of revolutionary leaders to transform society and the acceptance by a significant majority of the population of the core of the social revolutionary project. As a result, the spotlight is on people, not structures, and transformation, not simply revolutionary transition.The second edition of this acclaimed book has been revised to include new information on the cases of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Grenada, assessing the extent to which each revolution was both institutionalized and consolidated. This edition also boasts expanded coverage on Ch uevara's visionary leadership and an all-new section that addresses the future of revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Selbin argues that there is a strong link between organizational leadership and the institutionalization process on the one hand, and visionary leadership and the consolidation process on the other. Particular attention is given to the ongoing revolutionary process in Nicaragua, with an emphasis on the implications and ramifications of the 1990 electoral process. A final chapter includes brief analyses of the still unfolding revolutionary processes in El Salvador and Peru.

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 1993

Reviews

[Doni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eric Selbin, hailing from Southwestern University, feels like a little-league player, his analysis reminiscent of an undergraduate's. He uses the intersection of institutionalization and consolidation (a definition which he changes) to determine the success of four revolutions in Latin America. The simplicity of these determinants distorts more than it enlightens, leading to the controversial conclusions that the Cuban Revolution has not yet proven itself to be successful since it has hinged on the personality of Fidel Castro and has not yet seen a successful regime change. For an analysis that claims to put the people back into the movement, it seems strange that the movement must go beyond the revolutionaries in order to be considered a success. He also declares Nicaragua a success despite economic difficulties brought on by United States interference and that the Sadinistas lost control of the government in the second election. The most interesting contribution is Selbin's analysis of Grenada, hardly mentioned in revolutionary literature because it was a failure. 46 people managed to take over the entire island in a matter of 12 hours. But infighting eroded the initial success of this uprising.

[Kaylin Worthington · Rating 2 out of 5]

As our professor said, this book is like eating your broccoli. Good for you, but not the most enjoyable!