The Rise of Ethnic Politics in Latin America explores why indigenous movements have recently won elections for the first time in the history of the region. Raúl L. Madrid argues that some indigenous parties have won by using inclusive populist appeals to reach out to whites and mestizos. Indigenous parties have managed to win support across ethnic lines because the long history of racial mixing in Latin America blurred ethnic boundaries and reduced ethnic polarization. The appeals of the indigenous parties have especially resonated in the Andean countries because of widespread disenchantment with the region's traditional parties. The book contains up-to-date qualitative and quantitative analyses of parties in seven countries, including detailed case studies of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Reviews & endorsements

“This is a well-executed and timely book. Madrid offers a novel theory about the success of ethnic parties under conditions of ethnic fluidity and intra-ethnic group fragmentation. Empirically, the author impressively triangulates qualitative and quantitative evidence from in-depth country studies to illustrate his story. The book contributes both to the general theoretical literature about the success of ethnic parties and the literature specifically focusing on Latin America. The policy implications drawn out in the last chapter and, to a lesser degree, in the substantive chapters are interesting and thought provoking. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in ethnic politics in Latin America and beyond.” – Jóhanna K. Birnir, Department of Government, University of Maryland

Customer reviews

Product details

• Date Published: March 2012
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521153256
• length: 256 pages

• dimensions: 234 x 155 x 15 mm
• weight: 0.36kg
• contains: 12 b/w illus. 7 tables
• availability: Available