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.