This work offers a concise, incisive survey of the historical development, society, politics, government and struggle for democracy in Latin America. The second edition of this concise volume offers a succinct overview of the political factors that condition social and economic development in Latin America. It draws upon and augments the overview chapters of Howard Wiarda and Harvey Kline"s highly successful "Latin American Politics and Development" (Sixth Edition), while omitting the larger volume"s comprehensive array of country-by-country chapters. "An Introduction to Latin American Politics and Development" is an incisive survey that serves as core reading in courses on politics, government, social change and transitions to democracy throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.