彼得•H.史密斯(Peter H. Smith)，美国加利福尼亚大学圣迭戈分校拉丁美洲研究中心西蒙•玻利瓦尔讲席教授，拉丁美洲研究协会前主席，已出版二十多部著作，其中包括《鹰爪：拉丁美洲、美国及世界》（Talons of the Eagle: Latin America, the United States, and the World）、《现代拉丁美洲》（Modern Latin America）

Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective examines processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. Organized thematically, with a unique historical perspective, the book provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region. In clear and jargon-free prose, the book: * Traces the origins and evolution of democracy in Latin America * Examines the adoption and reform of electoral institutions * Assesses the policy performance of contemporary democracies * Explores the political representation of women, workers, and indigenous peoples * Evaluates trends in public opinion * Reveals the recent rise of "illiberal democracy" Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America offers a new and startling explanation for the prevalence of electoral democracy in modern-day Latin America and presents an in-depth analysis of political challenges now confronting the region as a whole--including poverty, inequality, and criminality. In addition to maps, tables, and figures, the book provides carefully selected illustrations and numerous boxes containing anecdotal material and conceptual commentary. Comprehensive in scope, rigorous in method, and thoroughly accessible to students and general readers, Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective is ideal for a broad variety of undergraduate courses in political science, history, and sociology.