Choice Review

The authors of this edited volume provide a generally positive portrayal of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and the reforms he has introduced since he was first elected in 1998. They contrast his "participatory democracy" and mobilization of followers with the liberal democracy that prevailed during the previous 40 years. They take issue with the established belief that pre-Chavez Venezuela was an "exceptional democracy" serving as a model for Latin America, referring to government corruption, increasing concentration of wealth, deepening poverty, and growing voter apathy. They describe a growing polarization as upper- and middle-class sectors, together with the US government, have become alienated by Chavez's reformist programs and "confrontational discourse" and have sought to undermine his administration. They describe US financial aid to opposition groups, anti-Chavez Venezuelans staging general strikes, organizing an unsuccessful recall referendum, and even encouraging a military coup. The authors challenge the image of Chavez having undermined democracy. They claim to the contrary, "For a large number of the underprivileged, new historical levels of participation and organization have been achieved," and observe that Chavez has carried out massive social programs, funded by rising oil revenues. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. S. L. Rozman Tougaloo College