A comprehensive balanced portrait of the factors affecting economic development in Latin America, first published in 2003.

This book covers the economic history of Latin America from independence in the 1820s to the present. It stresses the differences between Latin American countries while recognizing the similar external influences to which the region has been subject. Victor Bulmer-Thomas notes the failure of the region to close the gap in living standards between it and the United States and explores the reasons. He also examines the new paradigm taking shape in Latin America since the debt crisis of the 1980s and asks whether this new economic model will be able to bring the growth and equity that the region desperately needs. First Edition Hb (1995): 0-521-36329-2 First Edition Pb (1995): 0-521-36872-3