This text focuses on three unifying themes central to Latin American government today--liberty, governance, and development. The first four chapters of the text provide a historical overview, and explain the historical and theoretical importance of the three themes. Then, a close examination of 7 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and Venezuela helps to illuminate the issues. Each country study examines how the key themes pertain to the individual country and considers their implications for the future of democracy in the region. Governing Strategies boxes highlight the differences in approach to each challenge country by country. Global Perspectives features compare Latin American countries to those outside the region. Concepts in Action show how the theories and issues discussed in the text are actually applied in political practice.