Based on extended interviews at the Culiprán fundo in Chile with peasants who recount in their own terms their political evolution, this is an in-depth study of peasants in social and political action. It deals with two basic themes: first, the authoritarian structure within a traditional latifundio and its eventual replacement by a peasant-based elected committee, and second, the events shaping the emergence of political consciousness among the peasantry. Petras and Zemelman Merino trace the careers of local peasant leaders, followers, and opponents of the violent illegal land seizure in 1965 and the events that triggered the particular action.The findings of this study challenge the oft-accepted assumption that peasants represent a passive, traditional, downtrodden group capable only of following urban-based elites. The peasant militants, while differing considerably in their ability to grasp complex political and social problems, show a great deal of political skill, calculate rationally on the possibility of success, and select and manipulate political allies on the basis of their own primary needs. The politicized peasantry lend their allegiance to those forces with whom they anticipate they have the most to gain—and under circumstances that minimize social costs. The authors identify the highly repressive political culture within the latifundio—reinforced by the national political system—as the key factor inhibiting overt expressions of political demands.The emergence of revolutionary political consciousness is found to be the result of cumulative experiences and the breakdown of traditional institutions of control. The violent illegal seizure of the farm is perceived by the peasantry as a legitimate act based on self-interest as well as general principles of justice—in other words, the seizure is perceived as a “natural act,” suggesting that perhaps two sets of moralities functioned within the traditional system.The book is divided into two parts: the first part contains a detailed analysis of peasant behavior; the second contains transcriptions of peasant interviews. Combined, they give the texture and flavor of insurgent peasant politics.

Peasants in Revolt: A Chilean Case Study, 1965–1971 (Latin American Monographs)

History

Petras, James

Merino, Hugo Zemelman

Americas

University of Texas Press

This book explores the dynamics of the recent ‘progressive cycle’ in Latin American politics, associated with a red and pink tide of regime change. With this cycle of centre-left regimes oriented towards an alternative post-neoliberal form of development now coming to an end, coinciding with the end of a ‘primary commodities boom’ (the demand for natural resources exported in primary form on the world market), the authors seek to explore the dynamics of the transition from a progressive cycle of regimes oriented towards the search for a more inclusive form of development towards what appears to be another swing in the pendulum of electoral politics towards the far right and a return to neoliberal orthodoxy. Within the vortex of forces of change pushing towards both the Left and the Right, Latin America lies at the centre of ongoing heated theoretical and political debates as to how to bring about a more inclusive and sustainable form of post-neoliberal and post-capitalist development. Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change crucially aims to cut through these debates and explore the dynamics of the forces of change at work in the current conjuncture of capitalist development. With reference to a theoretical framework based on the interaction of three different forms of capitalism (capitalism as usual, extractive capitalism, narco-capitalism), the authors proceed to an analysis of the development and resistance dynamics of the development process that is unfolding on the Latin American political landscape. The book will appeal to scholars of political sociology and political theory with an interest in the political economy of development and Latin American affairs.

Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change: Development and Resistance Dynamics (Capitalism, Power and the Imperial State)

Veltmeyer, Henry

Reference

Routledge

US Imperialism: The Changing Dynamics of Global Power (Globalization, Crises, and Change)

<p>This book offers a broad and deep examination of the dynamics of US imperialism. Petras analyzes imperialism not only as economic domination, showing that its impact in the world takes many forms, including cultural, political and historical. He points to the disruptive effects it has on other world regional economies and cultures. Capitalism and imperialism take diverse forms but both are intimately tied to the projection of state power in the service of capital―a strategy designed to advance the geopolitical and economic interests of the US economic elite and ruling class―interests that are equated with the 'US national interest'.</p>

Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change (Capitalism, Power and the Imperial State)

This book questions many current promises of a new era of democracy, peace and co-operation in the post-Cold War period by challenging several myths that shape United States policy towards Latin America. James Petras and Morris Morley argue that electoral regimes and free markets in the hemisphere have not improved people's lives, that Washington's neo-conservative allies do not have a viable future, and that the end of the Cold War has not lessened US interventionist behaviour in Latin America. "Latin America in the Time of Cholera" uses empirical and historical analyses and provides a unique interpretive framework; it also presents a combination of case studies and critiques of contemporary power relations.

Latin America in the Time of Cholera: Electoral Politics, Market Economics, and Permanent Crisis

Politics & Social Sciences

Morley, Morris

Politics & Government

<strong>Empire or Republic?</strong> makes the necessary, but much overlooked, link between our nation's international policies and the domestic situation. The authors contend that the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations have all focused on global leadership to the detriment of pressing social, economic and political problems at home.

Empire or Republic?: American Global Power and Domestic Decay

Empire or Republic?

Business & Money

Politics and Social Forces in Chilean Development

University of California Press

<p><div>Chile, which suffering from many of the same social and economic problems that afflict other Latin American countries, has enjoyed remarkable political stability. With the exception of one brief interlude, Chile has been governed by elected rules for half a century.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The feature of Chilean development that explains its exceptional nature in contrast to the rest of Latin America is the special role of the bureaucracy, which functions as a broker for the conflicting demands of both the new and the traditional groups. Yet a strong dichotomy is evident between the entrepreneurial and bureaucratic elites, which have benefited and participated in the dominant society, and the peasantry, which has been largely exploited and excluded from the polity.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Petras finds that the attempts to develop a dynamic industrial society in Chile have so far ailed. Chronic problems of slow economic growth and a rigid social system have been managed through a delicate system of political balances involving established parties and interest groups. While this arrangement has contributed to Chile's stability, it has also served to delay the entry of the peasantry and urban lower class into the polity, and as these groups do enter the political arena, they do so as radicals, increasingly hostile to established leaders and institutions.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Working with fresh data, Petras considers virtually every aspect of Chile's social, political, and economic development, including industrialization and the roles of the right wing, the middle class, the peasantry, and the bureaucracy; and he gives detailed consideration to the programs and behavior of the Popular Action Front (FRAP) and the Christian Democratic party.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In his final chapter,the author hazards a number of predictions concerning the future course of Chilean politics. He anticipates that the present trend toward basic social change will continue and that this will include limitation of the powers and prerogatives of the rich, a greater role for the government in planning and directing the economy, and some outright expropriation. In the long run, a realignment of major politcal forces is probably, with the likely result that opposition to reform will increase. The heavy involvement of North American firms in the Chilean copper-mining industry could lead to a conflict between a national-popular government in the United States.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1969.</div></p>

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Books by Petras, James

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Petras, James. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Peasants in Revolt: A Chilean Case Study, 1965–1971 (Latin American Monographs)

Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change: Development and Resistance Dynamics (Capitalism, Power and the Imperial State)

US Imperialism: The Changing Dynamics of Global Power (Globalization, Crises, and Change)

US Imperialism: The Changing Dynamics of Global Power (Globalization, Crises, and Change)

Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change (Capitalism, Power and the Imperial State)

Latin America in the Time of Cholera: Electoral Politics, Market Economics, and Permanent Crisis

Empire or Republic?: American Global Power and Domestic Decay

Empire or Republic?

Politics and Social Forces in Chilean Development

Politics and Social Forces in Chilean Development