Domingues draws a huge sociological picture of Latin America, based on the analysis of Gino Germani (1911-1979). He mainly studies the cases of Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which he believes are the three main actors in Latin America. He strongly insist on the importance of social movements for the continent. In the last chapter, Domingues makes an interesting analysis of the first mandate of President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (2002-2006).