Andrew Selee Livres

The book examines the intricate relationship between informal and formal power structures in the context of decentralization in Mexico during the late twentieth century. It highlights how the shift of governmental responsibilities to local levels, while promoting democratization, has been complicated by lingering informal power dynamics. Through a comparative analysis of three cities, the author reveals how these historical influences shape citizen engagement and affect the accountability of elected officials, ultimately impacting the success of multi-party democracy.

Only a decade ago, Mexico saw the end of seventy years of single-party hegemonic rule and the first free and fair election in its history. How has the country evolved since then, and what is the status of its democracy today? In this comprehensive new collection intended for use in undergraduate courses a group of distinguished scholars examines recent political developments in Mexico—including its 2006 election and the breakdown in consensus that nearly resulted—in order to assess the progress of its democratization. Focusing on transformations in Mexico's evolving political party system, institutions in transition, and the changing nature of state-society relations, contributors to this book discuss the challenges that Mexican democracy faces today as well as the potential it has for further change in the near future.

David Danelo has traveled the U.S.-Mexico border and his investigative report about a complex issue examines the border in human terms. As topical today as it was when he made his trek, this updated edition asks and answers the core questions: Is a fence or wall the answer? Is the U.S. government capable of fully securing the border?