Riobamba and Cuenca, two intermediate cities in Ecuador, have become part of global networks through transnational migration, incoming remittances, tourism, and global economic connections. Their landscape is changing in several significant ways, a reflection of the social and urban transformations occurring in contemporary Ecuadorian society. Exploring the discourses and actions of two contrasting population groups, rarely studied in tandem, within these cities-popular-settlement residents and professionals in the planning and construction sector-this study analyzes how each is involved...

" This book] frames the Chilean case nicely in the context of theories of democratization, democracy, and the case for political participation in democracy. It will clarify our thinking about the many different modalities of participation....This is a huge advance and contribution to the debate. And, of course, the book makes a very significant, unique empirical contribution to understanding the state of political participation by civil society in Chile." - Eduardo Silva, Tulane University

"This is an excellent book, both in terms of its theoretical discussion and of the analysis of...