Sandinistas (FSLN)

"An important and revealing study of how power functions in postrevolutionary Nicaragua and why the nature of Nicaraguan society continues to frustrate the calculated attempt by the Leninist Sandinistas to transform it." Douglas W. Payne Director of Hemispheric Studies Freedom House "Bugajski's cogent and timely analysis of the Sandinista movement is useful reading for policymakers and analysts alike. His perceptive evaluation of the goals and strategies of the Sandinista Front makes an important contribution to the literature on Third World Socialist-oriented regimes'." Jiri Valenta Director, Institute for Soviet and East European Studies University of Miami Coeditor, Conflict in Nicaragua: A Multidimensional Perspective

"Ryan has produced an outstanding contribution to the study of Sandinista Nicaragua and to a more general understanding of the problems of socialist construction throughout the Third World" F.S. Weaver, Choice

"A collection of essays that analyzes the historical antecedents of the current political crises in Central America. The essays provide a balanced interpretation of such themes as international power politics in Central America since the 19th century and the effects of cultural diversity and local interests in preventing the development of enduring political unity and economic integration. Latin Americanists and those interested in international politics at the upper-division undergraduate level and above will value this informative analysis of the volatile region." Choice

Modern Latin American Revolutions, Second Edition, introduces the concept of consolidation of the revolutionary process -- the efforts of revolutionary leaders to transform society and the acceptance by a significant majority of the population of the core of the social revolutionary project. The second edition of this acclaimed book has been revised and updated to include new information on the cases of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Grenada, assessing the extent to which each revolution was both institutionalized and consolidated. This edition also boasts expanded coverage on Che Gueavara's visionary leadership and an allnew section that addresses the future of revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Selbin argues that there is a strong link between organizational leadership and the institutionalization process on the one hand, and visionary leadership and the consolidation process on the other. Particular attention is given to the ongoing revolutionary process in Nicaragua, with an emphasis on the implications and ramifications of the 1990 electoral process. A final chapter includes brief analyses of the still unfolding revolutionary processes in El Salvador and Peru.

David Close examines the impact of Violeta Chamorro's term as head of state in Nicaragua on the nation's political actors and government institutions. He concludes with an analysis of the 1996 elections and the lasting effects of the revolution.

Cynthia Chavez Metoyer is assistant professor of political science at California State University San Marcos.