Recent changes imposed by the Vatican may redefine the Chilean and Peruvian Church's involvement in politics and social issues. Fleet and Smith argue that the Vatican has been moving to restrict the Chilean and Peruvian Church's social and political activities. Fleet and Smith have gathered documentary evidence, conducted interviews with Catholic elites, and compiled surveys of lay Catholics in the region. The result will help chart the future of the Church and Chile and Peru."

Using Argentina as the main example, this work examines all aspects of democracy and democratization in Latin America. The author illustrates many weaknesses of authoritarianism and repressive regimes which, he argues, can be taken advantage of appropriately by the struggle for democracy.

Arie M. Kacowicz addresses problems associated with identifying international norms and the relevance and influence of these norms on the behavior of international states in a regional context.