AMERICAS QUARTERLY

China and Latin America China’s emergence as an economic superpower poses special challenges (and opportunities) for the Americas. How do Beijing’s development, trade and geopolitical goals intersect with regional needs and priorities? How should the U.S. react? Our special section starts on page 50.

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Special Section

52 Time for a Strategic Reset ELIZABETH ECONOMY Unless the leadership in Beijing changes course, it faces increasing isolation.

60 China’s Global Rise LOWELL DITTMER In the “new” developing world, China looks for trade partners—not revolutionary allies.

67 Force Projection GABRIEL MARCELLA What is the Chinese military doing in Latin America?

70 charticle: The Fast Ramp-Up RYAN BERGER The economics of the China–Latin America relationship.

74 Much in Common ZHANG MINGDE A senior Shanghai scholar says China poses no threat to the region.

80 Memo to Washington ERIC FARNSWORTH U.S. complacency toward China’s economic activities in the hemisphere is shortsighted. 88 photo essay: East Meets South KEITH DANNEMILLER Mexicans and Chinese learn, play and work together.

96 Competitor or Partner? OSVALDO ROSALES The impact of Chinese exports on four countries in the region.

104 Exporting Corruption ARIEL ARMONY China’s informal business culture fi nds a too-familiar environment in Latin America. 108 Chinese (Un)offi cial Development Aid MARTIN VIEIRO Is China’s assistance to developing countries undermining development? 50 113 Ask The Experts To a new relationship: Chilean Does China represent an economic and political threat President Sebastián Piñera to the U.S. in the hemisphere? Connie Mack, Don (left) toasts his country’s Hanna, Luis Fleischman, and Minxin Pei respond. number one trade partner. PETAR KUJUNDZIC/GETTYPETAR

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28 Departments 3 From the Editor 122 Tongue in Cheek The best of the region’s

28 11 Panorama Agri-tourism in political cartoons. Back to the Future Central America, Guadalajara’s MIKE MCDONALD book fair, South American Alpine 124 Policy Update The newly elected leaders Skiing Cup, good governance Luis Oganes on the importance of Guatemala and Nicaragua in Colombia, Ten Things To Do of foreign exchange reserves. are familiar. So are in Salvador, Brazil, and more. Gregory Elacqua on the the problems they face. impact of Chilean student 18 Hard Talk Will the protests. Ricardo Camargo U.S.–Colombia FTA benefi t Mendes on Brazil’s revived 34 Colombia? Kevin Gallagher protectionist agenda. Going Places? and Gabriel Duque debate. 128 Fresh Look Reviews BARBARA KOTSCHWAR 23 Innovators/Innovations Robert Funk on former Chilean Asia leads Latin America Colombian harpist Edmar President Ricardo Lagos’ new in infrastructure. Castañeda challenges musical conventions. Buscalibros memoir. Paulo Vieira da transforms Latin America’s Cunha on Albert Fishlow’s 44 online book market. Pivot Legal view of Brazil’s economic Media 1.5 campaigns for Vancouver’s transformation. Eric L. Olson SILVIO WAISBORD marginalized. Sebastián Acha reviews Denise Dresser’s New technology has expanded makes voting count in Paraguay. lament on Mexico’s failings. the media choices available 116 Dispatches from the 136 Just the Numbers to Latin Americans. But don’t Field: Quito The tragedy of You following me? The expect it to usher in a new era Colombian refugees in Ecuador. hemisphere’s twittering of citizen engagement. Stephanie Leutert reports. presidents and celebrities. in our The Economic and Political Dynamics of Social Inclusion: Social policy, representation, human next issue: rights, economic growth, and race. Judith Morrison on Afro-Latinos; José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs on youth unemployment; Marcelo Suárez-Orozco on immigration and mobility; plus heroes of social inclusion. SCOTT LAUMANN; CARLOS JASSO/REUTERS; RYAN DORSETT

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128 Americas Quarterly WINTER 2012

AQ0112_FRESH_LAY12.indd 128 1/9/12 9:31 AM The Southern Tiger: Chile’s Fight for a Democratic and Prosperous Future

Ricardo Lagos Palgrave Macmillan, 2012, Hardcover, 258 pages 129 The Southern Tiger:

Chile’s Fight for a Democratic and Prosperous Future REVIEWED BY ROBERT L. FUNK by Ricardo Lagos icardo Lagos has been a central model were laid by the dictatorship, fi gure in creating the Chile we the Concertación opened up the econ- Rknow today—a prosperous de- omy, reinserted Chile into the inter- 131 mocracy and a model for much of the national community, instilled and region. Whether as an academic, an expanded basic social services in O novo Brasil: as activist in the struggle for democracy, areas such as health care, and ex- conquistas políticas, a minister of education (1990–1992) panded access to primary, secondary econômicas, sociais e and of public works (1994–1998), a and postsecondary education. By al- president (2000–2006), or once again, most any measure—GDP, household nas relações a major fi gure in the opposition, La- income, poverty, education, health, internacionais gos has been almost omnipresent in government spending, infrastructure, by Albert Fishlow the country’s major policy decisions. connectivity, international trade, or By any measure, he has had an ex- corruption—Chile has made great traordinary career in public service. progress in the last 20 years. In The Southern Tiger: Chile’s Fight Lagos’ recollection of the turbulent 133 for a Democratic and Prosperous Fu- past recounts episodes of cacerolazos ture—written with Foreign Policy (pot-banging demonstrations, mostly El país de uno: magazine managing editors Blake by the middle class), guanacos (water Refl exiones para Hounshell and Elizabeth Dickinson— cannon–bearing trucks used to break entender y cambiar a Lagos retraces some of those steps and up street protests), and fi ghts and di- refl ects on the impact of his policies visions among opposition parties as México both at the time and today. The for- they vied for frontrunner status in by Denise Dresser mer president makes it clear that he electoral battles. For a Chilean reader too views himself as a central player in 2012, a time when social move- in Chile’s democratic and economic ments have swept the country, the transition. Chile of yesterday seems very simi- 135 Two themes emerge in The Southern lar to the Chile of today. Tiger. The fi rst, now a cliché in studies But other longstanding debates FIRST LOOK of Chilean politics, is that of continu- would also resonate: the appropriate The best new books on ity and change; the second is Ricardo economic model for Chile; the need policy, economics and Lagos standing up to authority. for infrastructure; and how to over- business in the On the fi rst theme, Chile is a very come interest groups and other obsta- hemisphere. different country from the one that cles to improve the education system. Lagos’ coalition, the Concertación, in- In these areas and others, Lagos is herited from the regime of General quite candid about the unfi nished Augusto Pinochet in 1990. Although tasks at the end of his term in offi ce. the foundations of today’s economic He expresses frustration at the im-

AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG PORTRAIT OF RICARDO LAGOS BY SCOTT LAUMANN WINTER 2012 Americas Quarterly 129

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FRESH LOOK 130 UN Development Programme’s Bu- Programme’s Development UN Insulza to José Tohá, former President Tohá, President toJosé former Insulza Michelle Bachelet: “After I left offi loé, the lack of reform to a binomial binomial a to reform of lack the loé, Chile’s political system, among others. among system, political Chile’s pointing the fi perfect Transantiago public transpor- ribbean, to Organization of American ofAmerican Organization to ribbean, Ca- the and America forLatin reau terior and minister of defense—who ofdefense—who minister and terior mentions many people—from Her- people—from many mentions from adversaries and colleagues ing Nam- episodes. personal ofmore ing in overrepresentation parties nority tation system, the inability to have tohave inability the system, tation the 1960s onwards, for example, he he for example, onwards, 1960s the Salvador Allende’s minister of the in- ofthe minister Allende’s Salvador Miguel José General Secretary States a bridge built to the island ofChi- island tothe built a bridge aldo Muñoz, the current head of the ofthe head current the Muñoz, aldo elitism has changed is in Lagos’ retell- Lagos’ in is changed has elitism stalled.” […] project the of centralization the and congress, mi- some offers that system electoral Another sign of how little Chile’s Chile’s ofhowlittle sign Another For several of these, he seems to be tobe heseems ofthese, For several Americas Quarterly nger at his successor, successor, at his nger WINTER 2012 ce ce youth, that the fi Lagos’ objectives in the book seems seems book the in objectives Lagos’ magnitude the itunderscores Rather, longstanding cultural traditions, but from stems elites other) (and litical lenges remain similar despite so despite similar remain lenges many young Chileans argue today— much progress does not mean—as touched during the the during touched barely were institutions These tors. to be to remind readers, especially accomplished. been has little that tent in Chile today. Chile tent in leadership, political ofnew lack the time in offi also from political institutions—prin- (Lagos’ own son is asenator). is son own (Lagos’ are at the root of much of the discon- ofthe ofmuch root at the are of the challenges faced in 1990. One of One of 1990. in faced challenges of the ac- ofnew emergence the courage donoten- system—that electoral the and parties political the cipally, dren are active, in the public sphere sphere public the in active, are dren chil- or whose active, tobe continue The lack of renovation among po- among ofrenovation lack The The fact that public policy chal- ce, which, together with rst steps in improv- in steps rst Concertación’s

2005, he spearheaded a set ofconstitu- aset hespearheaded 2005, young voters born in a democratic ademocratic in born voters young Lagos writes that countries that lose lose that countries that writes Lagos Lagos would later preside over one one over preside later would Lagos vilian control over the armed forces. armed the over control vilian by Pinochet’s 1980 constitution. For lenges may be grounded in economic economic in grounded be may lenges lifetime senators and reimposed ci- Chile, it makes little sense tocon- sense little itmakes Chile, plicitly recognizes, the obstacles to to obstacles the recognizes, plicitly policy—who spends what on educa- political system and modernizing the the modernizing and system political provisions such as designated and mid- approaching is Chile capita, per rests on three pillars: democracy, eco- democracy, nomic growth and social pillars: equality. three on rests ical as well as economic. polit- are challenges these resolving in encouraging development. While ing social policy, democratizing the tion, for example—but as Lagos im- Lagos as forexample—but tion, ing in the Cold War. Lagos recognized recognized ColdWar.Lagos the in ing fronts. three onall ress prog- slow, if even constant, of result infrastructure projects rooted in the notdiffi itis mies, role apredominant had still state the when atime recall 1970s and 1960s the tional amendments that eliminated chal- The well-being. economic than that, and no postauthoritarian presi- nopostauthoritarian and that, originat- rules under operating tinue imposed limitations and rules the not did pillars three all perhaps that a is success Chile’s way. For him, their scription of the economic debates of of debates economic ofthe scription system remains very much based on on based much very remains system lose quickly equilibrium ofthis sight of Lagos’ own development. The de- The development. own of Lagos’ in story derlying opposition. ideological and cal politi- tremendous amid complished ac- were infrastructure and economy elsewhere citizens demand more demand citizens elsewhere and Chile Butin status. dle-income dent did more to move beyond these these In he did. than handicaps democratic beyond move to more did dent political Chile’s unison. in develop old, developmentalist model. developmentalist old, forgrand enthusiasm ofhis origins econo- neoliberal world’s most of the With an income of roughly $15,000 $15,000 roughly of income an With At the same time, there is an un- an is there time, same the At He notes that a country’s success success acountry’s that He notes But today’s instability indicates indicates instability But today’s PHOTOGRAPHS BY LARSKLOVE cult to identify the the identify to cult The Southern Tiger 1/9/12 9:31AM

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‘Who authorized you to address your- youtoaddress authorized ‘Who Lagos also recounts standing up to Lagos and others like him showed showed him like others and Lagos Ricardo Lagos standing up to author- to up standing Lagos Ricardo when they showed insubordination, AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG bad cop’s presumption of informality. ofinformality. cop’sbad presumption lectures, it is easy to forget his role Chicago Boys, and to the police offi police tothe and Boys, Chicago lines the second theme of the book: Chile.” Lagos earned his stripes, and and stripes, his earned Lagos Chile.” presidential Ricardo Lagos, famous famous Lagos, Ricardo presidential presi- as wonand, be could plebiscite previously identified camera, and and camera, identified previously power outstripped any past leader of of leader past any outstripped power for his stern rebukes and fatherly fatherly and rebukes stern for his ing standing up to Pinochet, to the tothe uptoPinochet, standing ing ofanecdotes full is narrative The ity. ing in the questioning, he faced the open- an saw Lagos When me?” facing all “Of producer: the asking nochet, famously in Lagos’ case, wave an most perhaps and goto jail, meetings, the in todemonstrate not afraid nochet: “I told him his ambitions to to ambitions his toldhim “I nochet: these cameras […] which one will be be onewill […] which cameras these were still they class, working the many Although courage. tremendous the book cannot decide if it wants to to itwants if decide cannot book the vi- additional several has book the and to U.S. President George W. George Bush President toU.S. and the by offended sharply, Isaid (“‘Sir,!’ and not coincidentally, it is how he howhe itis notcoincidentally, and fi accusatory skeptics who did not believe the 1988 1988 the notbelieve whodid skeptics self to me like this, using the ‘ sion—“a cool night of April” in 1988— in ofApril” night cool sion—“a clandestine in participate streets, spoke directly to and pointed at Pi- pointed toand directly spoke dent, friends are supposed to be frank.” tobe supposed are friends dent, Presi- “Mr. ofIraq: invasion the over generals military to up standing dent, 1986. in him arrest to came who cers of a lifetime of assertiveness, includ- come prepared to attack General Pi- Hehad book. his tobegin chooses stage, national tothe Lagos catapulted on television. when time dictatorship—a the during opposition leaders were not from notfrom were leaders opposition counts, it seems at times as though though as at times itseems counts, gnettes of how he did so. ofhowhedid gnettes That moment on national televi- moment on national That For those more familiar with the Here, the former president under- president former the Here, But even with these personal ac- nger at General Pinochet Pinochet at General nger tu ’?’.”) ’?’.”) - F Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Apli- Pesquisa de Econômica Instituto Lagos memoir. As a memoir, it is a it is amemoir, As memoir. Lagos Bill Clinton’s. bit general: at 258 pages, it is about a a about itis at pages, 258 bit general: be fairly well known to a reader in- democratic ofChile’s history abrief be Chile, of which there are few. The his- few. The are there ofwhich Chile, lish one of Brazil’s most infl most ofBrazil’s one lish plays of emotion. Well-known epi- policy debates—both and Brazil in past 30 years. He has followed the their impact on the man. The author author The man. on the impact their icy analysts and even helped estab- train Hehelped States. United the in third the length of Tony Blair’s mem- terested enough in Chile to tackle a already should provided details toric many) are there (of which transition tributed personally to its economic economic its to personally tributed a legendary cohort of Brazilian pol- ofBrazilian cohort a legendary sodes are usually recounted in terms terms in recounted usually are sodes of their policy impact rather than oirs and about a quarter the size of of size the aquarter about and oirs of president ofaformer or amemoir country since the early 1960s and con- and 1960s early the since country the over transformation on Brazil’s economic research institutes, the the institutes, research economic cada REVIEWED BY PAULO VIEIRA DA CUNHA CUNHA DA VIEIRA PAULO BY REVIEWED Softcover, 282 pages Saint Paul Editora, 2011 Fishlow Albert O novo Brasil: relações internacionais políticas, econômicas, enas sociais Lagos is not prone to public dis- topublic notprone is Lagos (IPEA). right person to write the book book the towrite person right tion that Albert Fishlow is the ew would disagree with the no- uential uential as conquistas Achievements), lives up toexpecta- lives Achievements), Lagos: La nueva vía chilena hacia hacia chilena vía nueva La Lagos: tute for Public Affairs, and was the the was and Affairs, for Public tute believed, and that he is proud of the ofthe proud heis that and believed, in looking back. road he (and Chile) have taken. At a as himself sees he that doubt little is sociais e nas relações internacionais relações enas sociais tioning that road, there is some value value some is there road, that tioning time when many Chileans are ques- there it, hetells way the and to tell, ney from the days of Tancredo Neves Neves ofTancredo days the from ney to take the oath of offi takingly documented, factual and and factual documented, takingly ofpoliti- analysis Adetailed tions. Social and International Relations Relations International and Social (elected president in 1985 but too sick sick but too 1985 in president (elected (The New Brazil: Political, Economic, Economic, Political, Brazil: New (The someone who stood up for what he he upforwhat whostood someone el socialismo does not delve deeper. deeper. notdelve does critical presentation of Brazil’s jour- ofBrazil’s presentation critical ofBra- years turbulent the in change external and social, economic, cal, zil’s “New Republic,” it is also a pains- a also is it Republic,” “New zil’s El gobierno de Ricardo deRicardo editor gobierno of El ofChile’s Insti- University of the as conquistas políticas, econômicas, Robert L. Funk L. Robert But from what Lagos has chosen chosen has Lagos what But from Fishlow’s new book, book, new Fishlow’s WINTER 2012 (Santiago, UDP, 2006). UDP, (Santiago, Americas Quarterly is deputy director director deputy is ce), through the O novo Brasil: Brasil: O novo 131

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FRESH LOOK “two presidents with different polit- different with presidents “two “Under the New Republic, Brazil expe- Brazil Republic, New the “Under 132 Já Despite the similarities, however, however, similarities, the Despite Inácio Lula da Silva (2003–2010). It Henrique Cardoso (1995–2003), to the volumes and access to credit shot up shotup tocredit access and volumes why not say it, a love for the country, country, forthe alove it, why notsay but it was explosive under Lula. Real Real Lula. under explosive but itwas bilization with the the with bilization last four years of Lula, it generated On average, in the last four years of Lula. under butitboomed Cardoso, knowledge, critical detachment, and and detachment, critical knowledge, per year in the formal sector. In the the In sector. formal the in year per per-capita income stagnated under million jobs per year. Total credit Total credit year. per jobs million more than double that number: 1.7 policies over the course of the four ical perspectives and priorities pro- were success Lula’s for preconditions president—observes the preface, in meteoric rise of former President Luiz Luiz President offormer rise meteoric the Cardoso administration, the Bra- and developments economic marizes into two parts. The fi The parts. two into it.” now have fruit once military rule ended in 1985. in ended rule oncemilitary fruit to bear began which 1983, ment in manding analysis of why and how the howthe ofwhyand analysis manding social the It documents istrations. to explain these transformations. We We transformations. these to explain someone with interpreter; an missed rienced transformative changes. We team who developed the the whodeveloped team Diretas Diretas the point starting its as takes trations. But it also provides acom- provides Butitalso trations. admin- Lula and Cardoso the to 2010: the struggle to achieve infl under Lula and the percentage of the ofthe percentage the and Lula under administrations and concludes that that concludes and administrations administration of President Fernando Fernando ofPresident administration achievements of both Lula adminis- a solid formation, deep and detailed detailed and deep formation, a solid (Real Plan) in 1994 and a former Bra- aformer and 1994 in Plan) (Real set in the Cardoso administrations. Cardoso the in set duced consistent economic policies.” policies.” economic consistent duced zilian economy created 668,000 jobs jobs 668,000 created economy zilian 1995 from 15years the with ond deals on the return to democracy and on on and todemocracy return on the zilian Developmentzilian (BNDES) Bank growth under Cardoso was mediocre, mediocre, was Cardoso under growth —Direct [Elections] Now—move- [Elections] —Direct The book’s 10 chapters are divided divided are chapters 10 book’s The As Edmar Bacha—a member of the ofthe member Bacha—a Edmar As Chapter seven, for instance, sum- forinstance, seven, Chapter Americas Quarterly Plano Real Plano rst part focuses WINTER 2012 Plano Real Real Plano ation ation sta- ; the sec- ; the But what Fishlow makes clear is that that is clear makes Fishlow But what From 1995 to 2002 there were major with a combination of tax cuts and and cuts oftax acombination with line dropped from 28.1 percent in 2003 2003 in percent 28.1 from dropped line Organization. The 2001 recession in in recession 2001 The Organization. population living under the poverty poverty the under living population nomic slowdown in the United States. United the in slowdown nomic Crisis Tequila 1994 Mexico’s of math after- the including shocks, negative rather a policy continuum. but policy, past from not adivergence tember 11 attacks ushered in a period aperiod in ushered attacks 11 tember Sep- ofthe aftermath the and U.S. the the explanation for this success was was success forthis explanation the 2009. in percent 15.3 to just as China emerged on the global global onthe emerged China as just eco- post-9/11 immediate the and scene after joining the World the Trade joining after scene structural adjustment in the 1990s. 1990s. the in adjustment structural destabilized the global economy. ultimately that increases expenditure easing monetary of unprecedented der the shadow of the long period of of period long ofthe shadow der the un- ruled Cardoso to see. hard be can The continuum Fishlow refers to to refers Fishlow continuum The remarkable. are achievements The Lula was luckier. He came to power power to came He luckier. was Lula 2008–2009 economic crisis. economic 2008–2009 2000s, Brazil was prepared to fully Brazil to rapidly accumulate external external accumulate to rapidly Brazil fl worldwide economic prominence— economic worldwide beneficial for Brazil. By the early early the By forBrazil. beneficial passed in 2000—what he calls “fi hecalls 2000—what in passed pelled growth and help sustain it even pro- which shocks, external positive produced a boom commodity in de- macroeconomic changes came in in came changes macroeconomic factors toanetcreditor—two rower anetbor- being go from and reserves to stabilize and then decrease the the decrease then and to stabilize that would prove critical during the the during critical prove would that extremely was that prices and mand the Fiscal Responsibility Law that that Law Responsibility Fiscal the today. It wasperiod this that allowed and productively take advantage of of advantage take productively and sibility Law), and infl and Law), sibility debt-to-GDP ratio (the Fiscal Respon- Fiscal (the ratio debt-to-GDP cover how much went into creating creating wentinto howmuch cover early 1999 with the introduction of a cies—along with the rise of China to oating exchange rate, a commitment a commitment rate, exchange oating As Fishlow points out, the biggest biggest the out, points Fishlow As Fishlow’s contribution is to un- But in the shorter run, these poli- these run, shorter the But in AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG ation ation targeting. nan- 1/9/12 9:31AM

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37 percent of GDP today. The point point The ofGDPtoday. percent 37 Is it sustainable? Can public expen- public Can itsustainable? Is vate sector. when Lula fought the external crisis tax the in increase incessant the was 12 years since 1999? More importantly, importantly, More 1999? since years 12 AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG burden, a historically unprecedented unprecedented ahistorically burden, here is that Cardoso built the fi the built Cardoso that is here private and public debt restructuring debtrestructuring public and private it and investment, and productivity programs. nearly and 2008 ofGDPby percent to34 1997–1998 ofGDPin percent cre- the to privatization—contributed resisted until 2009. until resisted is this in the long run a contribution acontribution run long the in this is for done have they GDP, as than rate more effi to growth and welfare? nances at the sub-national level so ical system. Privatization boosted boosted Privatization system. ical the conditions forfi conditions the wentonaspending and 2009–2010 in that fiscal federalism could work, the fi that Fishlow estimates at 14.1 percent percent at 14.1 estimates Fishlow that the country well, despite criticism.” despite well, country the the modern Brazil. According to the tothe According Brazil. modern the a larger and more activist state but but state activist more and a larger ate at large endorse it wholeheartedly. itwholeheartedly. endorse ate at large jected into administering public fi also helped fi used to fuel both growth and social and social used to bothgrowth fuel served Both Brazil. ofamodern ation ate afi privati- topair was key the author, space that future governments have have governments future that space spree to bolster the election prospects prospects election the tobolster spree cial stability. Lula wanted to create ditures continue to grow at a faster at afaster togrow continue ditures despite the vicissitudes of the polit- ofthe vicissitudes the despite cesses—fi pro- two these of GDP. “Combined, of his successor. of his 17 from burden tax ofthe doubling post-1998 deal” “new ofthe Part ever. zilian private sector and the elector- the and sector private zilian cial restructuring” or the making of zation and debt restructuring tocre- debtrestructuring and zation This is what we have today. The Bra- The today. have we what is This This fiscal space came in handy As part of this, discipline was in- Even that was not enough, how- notenough, was that Even O novo Brasil does Brasil O novo not these answer Cardoso failed to build a leaner and and aleaner tobuild failed Cardoso rst time extend credit to the pri- the to credit extend time rst nancial system that could for for could that system nancial cient state. But he did create create Buthedid state. cient nancial restructuring and and restructuring nancial nance the huge cost of of cost huge the nance scal and fi and scal nan- scal scal - The larger contribution of Fishlow’s ofFishlow’s contribution larger The version, version, work is to have produced accessi- an formance. Dresser, a distinguished adistinguished Dresser, formance. per- lackluster for its butitself blame nooneto has Mexico that concludes Dresser Mexico), Denise Change and Country: Insights to Understand entender aMéxico ycambiar South Africa)? zil, Russia, India, China, and—now— (Bra- BRICS the joining from Mexico prevented has forinstance, What, potential. true its notachieved has wonderwhyMexico observers Many powerhouse. aglobal as place rightful its totake failed has Mexico States, vious commercial ties to the United en- and turmoil, ofglobal midst the fi D ble, well-written and pithy account account pithy and well-written ble, for an informed, objective discussion. discussion. objective informed, for an ternal policies in the past quarter of a century, set in their specifi their in set a century, cal contexts. questions. But it the context frames of Brazilian economic, social and ex- and social economic, of Brazilian scal and economic management in in management economic and scal entender ycambiar aMéxico Aguilar, 2011, Softcover, 351 pages 351 Softcover, 2011, Aguilar, Denise Dresser uno: de país El Its companion English language language English companion Its In El país de uno: Refl ica, a noteworthy record larg- of second Amer- Latin in economy est the boasting espite Starting Over: Brazil Since Since Brazil Over: Starting exiones para c politi- (My Refl REVIEWED BY ERIC L. OLSON BY L. ERIC REVIEWED exiones para 1985 Brazil has faced since its transition transition its since faced has Brazil fi Reforma, ceso Autónomo de México atthe professor she received the 2010 National Jour- National 2010 the she received which columns—for of heropinion cadence razor-sharp ofthe some ploys em- Herbook ofMexicans. hopes the and the even cynicism that have back betrayed peel hypocrisy ofself-deception, layers painfully) times at (and century. previous ofthe formost Party—PRI) tucional Insti- Revolucionario by thePartido led state single-party the of defeat electoral 2000 the by raised tations prob- the of uptoexpec- tolive much failure lem tothe traces that Mexico oftoday’s analysis penetrating and to democracy. tuguese version—deals with much research at Tandem Global Partners. Tandem at Global research markets emerging of head and ner of the same material but is recon- butis material same of the of the changes and challenges that that challenges and changes of the Paulo Vieira da Cunha da Vieira Paulo gured. Both are excellent analyses analyses excellent are Both gured. Dresser uses each chapter to slowly WINTER 2012 magazine and editorial writer at at writer editorial and magazine , which came out after the Por- the outafter came , which (Institutional Revolutionary offers a sharp, unfl asharp, offers Americas Quarterly Instituto Tecnológico Tecnológico Instituto , columnist at Pro- , columnist is part- inching

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FRESH LOOK 134 PRI—sometimes referred to as the “di- the toas referred PRI—sometimes ofthe oldguard ofthe Her analysis rule. ofone-party decades over oped selfi something.” obtain we whom do for and when how, way: same Alianza [ orPANAL Party Green [ [ PAN Mexico—either in power reaches logical affi ideo- does neither and matter; doesn’t affi political matter; doesn’t “Party elite. economic northe ical polit- the neither it ascreed—spares devouring everything in their path.” ing through the hallways of power, graz- ofgoats acountry is “[Mexico] example: Onetart paragraph. every embellish one-liners Herprecise elite. corrupt and pretentious Mexico’s ture punc- Slim—to Carlos about article 2009 foraFebruary Award nalism Partido de la Revolución Democrática Partido Acción Nacional Acción Partido Dresser traces the origins of such ofsuch origins the traces Dresser call may critique—some Dresser’s shness to the bad habits devel- habits bad tothe shness Americas Quarterly ]—they all seem to think the nity,” she writes. “Whoever “Whoever shewrites. nity,” Partido Nueva Nueva Partido WINTER 2012 ], PRI, PRD PRD PRI, ], liation ], ], parties once viewed as the wedge wedge the as onceviewed parties PRD—opposition and PAN on the herscalpel whensheturns apparent governor has denied this repeatedly. Peña Nieto. For what it’s worth, the Enrique Governor PRI former tion, runner in the 2012 presidential elec- front- ofthe support in scenes the behind nowworking himself—are Salinas maybe era—and Salinas the her suggestion that the architects of Salinas titled asection in Dresser writes nonetheless,” butadespot pot, des- enlightened an was “[Salinas] government. accountable ent and atranspar- build and agenda market free- his tosustain reform for political need the tosee failed Salinas policy, economic in innovator and reformer a Although (1998–1994). deGortari nas sial modern presidents, Carlos Sali- controver- most for oneofMexico’s way the whopaved operators litical nosaurs”—settles on the group of po- Her disappointment is especially especially is disappointment Her . Perhaps more disturbing is is disturbing more . Perhaps La Famiglia ginning today....” For example, “Be- each beginning with the refrain, “be- points, critical 10 lists agenda The dem- truly a to society. lead equitable more and ocratic will that outlooks and attitudes in changes damental fun- involving goal, apractical is this believes Dresser class. neurial entrepre- the and officials elected can demand who accountability from citizenry informed an veloping economy. and ment transparent and accountable govern- amore about bring and democracy ofthe center at the place rightful that would restore citizens to their agenda” a“citizenship tolist ceeds pro- then shewrites—and country,” oftheir collapse moral the in ticipate and combative—who refuse to par- brave, Mexicans—dedicated, those in found is book, this in contained diagnosis the given hope, only “The lenges of rebuilding her country. making consistently bad decisions. riches have lulled politicians into petro- where country “corrupt” and “conformist,” educated,” “poorly ing,” a“slumber- Mexico left toDresser, ing accord- have, interests personal serve to outofinstitutions hollowing the and resources ofits sacking the riches, vulnerable. left been have aresult, as Consumers, market. the of veneer thinnest the under tionism protec- and favoritism by blurred are class political and entrepreneurial the de cuates ( capitalism” “buddy scribes Shede- gain. own fortheir future and of undermining the nation’s potential them accusing irresponsible, equally spectrum.” ological [corruption’s] ide- it merelyexpands corruption, notcombat does power potential limited: “Party rotation in Mex- economic and weak ico’s democracy rendered have under- that the forces lying change to little done have they believes Dresser system. litical po- Mexico’s open pry would that The agenda would be aimed at de- aimed be would agenda The The fi nation’s ofthe plundering The fi Dresser nal chapter turns to the chal- tothe turns chapter nal ) in which the lines between between lines the which ) in nds the economic elite elite economic the nds AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG capitalism 1/9/12 9:31AM

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Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute. Mexico Center’s Wilson for security policy at the Woodrow Olson L. Eric instincts. worst own its from Mexico save just may but onethat sure, tobe message, atough It is 2000. that inspired the change of power in so- in ciety—that same source of strength strength of source the as bility responsi- and ofcitizenship notions foundational tothe returns and core its at post-partisan is that agenda back. country the held have that shackles the off throw roadmap, country, and, through her 10-point cans must take ownership of their “kleptocrats.” Dresser believes Mexi- by overrun tobe country their lowing takes ordinary citizens to task for al- it leadership, ofMexican mediocrity and corruption the about punches notpull does book the While ality. re- current tochange work and ity responsibil- civic their assume must Mexicans country; ofthe future the for critical as citizen the She sees book. the writing in purpose deeper Dresser’s into insight gives Country) possible. is program fore recovery any truths that must be confronted be- hard the sheoffers instead Dresser; Dr. by offered pills magic coated nosugar- are There stage. global the on place rightful its take and ceed tosuc- nation great forthis rooting complexities of Mexico and to those those honestly wrestling with the and as such it will be invaluable to ofhope, amessage Butitis violence. and crime about news ofbad stream steady the tocounterbalance story news foragood looking those point disap- itwill And world. the in place its and Mexico about defensive are who norforthose politics, and ciety so- ofMexican intricacies the in ated responsibility. and thought fore- great fun- with exercised be should and crucial right this that and right,” damental essential, an is voting ginning today, I will understand that AMERICASQUARTERLY.ORG Dresser outlines an important (My title ofthe translation The uniniti- forthose notabook is This is senior associate associate senior is John Wiley & Sons, Inc., February 2012, hardcover, 288 pages hardcover, 288 2012, February Inc., Wiley &Sons, John The Great Gap: Inequality and the Politics of of Politics the and Inequality Gap: Great The By Luciano Ciravegna Luciano By By Levitt BarryS. By Maxim Repetto By Hal Weitzman By Orlando Sella E. Oliveira de FabianaLuci By Gotkowitz Laura by Edited Blofi Merike by Edited By Jorge Vianna Monteiro University of Notre Dame Press, January 2012, January Press, Dame Notre of University United States and Started Prospering Started and States United hardcover, 376 pages 2011, November Press, University State Penn Routledge, February 2012, hardcover, 160 pages hardcover, 160 2012, February Routledge, 2011, April Española, Académica Editorial 2011, November Argentinas, Universitarias Publicaciones pages 260 softcover, (FGV), Vargas 2011, Getulio Fundação pages 416 softcover, 2011, November Press, University Duke pages 280 softcover, (FGV), Vargas 2011, Getulio Fundação Justiça, profi Justiça, softcover, pages 344 softcover, pages 184 softcover, pages 388 Governo públicas e crise:escolhas no Brasil Políticas Indigenistas en el Cono Sur: Chile y Argentina yArgentina Chile ConoSur: el en Indigenistas Políticas tothe Listening Stopped America HowSouth Lessons: Latin popular frustración deuna Crónica deAristide: caída La Mesoamerica and Andes The Racism: and ofRace Histories Lessons from Costa Rica Costa from Lessons America: Latin in Valleys Silicon Promoting Parties, Presidents, Balance: the Power in Redistribution in Latin America e no mundo, 2007–2011 e nomundo, contra el Pueblo Mapuche, siglos XIX y XX y XIX siglos Mapuche, Pueblo el contra constitucionalidade das leis no Brasil and Legislatures in Peru and Beyond from Colonial Times to the Present FIRST LOOK The best new and recent books on policy, economics and business in the hemisphere. ssionalismo e política: o STF e o controle da da eocontrole oSTF epolítica: ssionalismo eld WINTER 2012 Americas Quarterly

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