Can Latin America's 'new left' stimulate economic development, enhance social equity, and deepen democracy in spite of the economic and political constraints it faces? This is the first book to systematically examine the policies and performance of the left-wing governments that have risen to power in Latin America during the last decade. Featuring thorough studies of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela by renowned experts, the volume argues that moderate leftist governments have attained greater, more sustainable success than their more radical, contestatory counterparts. Moderate governments in Brazil and Chile have generated solid economic growth, reduced poverty and inequality, and created innovative and fiscally sound social programs, while respecting the fundamental principles of market economics and liberal democracy. By contrast, more radical governments, exemplified by Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, have expanded state intervention and popular participation and attained some short-term economic and social successes.

‘This excellent and timely volume provides an assessment of the policy objectives and performance of moderate and radical leftist governments in Latin America. It demonstrates that the differences within the contemporary Latin American left are huge, and it substantiates the common wisdom that these differences can be characterized as those between a moderate and a radical left. It occupies a distinctive, important niche in the burgeoning scholarship on the contemporary Latin American left by virtue of its sharp focus on policy objectives and policy results and of the very high quality of scholarship.’

Scott Mainwaring - University of Notre Dame

‘What makes the book unique - and increases its intellectual impact - is the editors’ explicit viewpoint that a certain ‘type’ of leftist government generates better outcomes for citizens. Siding with the ‘liberals’ in this debate is and will remain contentious and will generate fruitful debate. I commend the authors for seeking to push the debate forward by offering well-reasoned and well-supported arguments.’

David Samuels - University of Minnesota