'This book is an essential contribution to our understanding of tax systems. Ondetti traces the politics of redistribution and elite reaction to explain why some Latin American countries built fiscal capacity while others did not. In times of unprecedented inequality, progressives can learn lessons relevant to overcoming elite opposition to paying their fair share.' Aaron Schneider, University of Denver
1. Introduction; 2. Historical Property Threats and Contemporary Tax Burdens; 3. Chile: Allende, Counterrevolution and Sustained Neoliberalism; 4. Mexico: Cardenismo, Reaction and Low-Tax Stability; 5. Brazil: Moderate Statism and Public Sector Expansion; 6. Argentina: Populism, Divided Elites and Heavy Taxation; 7. Conclusions.