Mexico's views of the United States have been characterized as stridently anti-American, but recent policy changes in Mexico-culminating with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)-mark a fundamental transformation in the relationship. This thoughtful and original work answers questions about the impact of these policy shifts on Mexican nationalism and perceptions of the United States. Have popular and elite views changed? Has the government's anti-American rhetoric become anachronistic? What has been the effect on Mexican national identity? As the only developing country to have...

A stunningly beautiful backdrop where cultures meet, meld, and thrive, the U.S.OCoMexico borderlands is one of the most dynamic regions in the Americas. "On the Border" explores little-known corners of this fascinating area of the world in a rich collection of essays. Beginning with an exploration of mining and the rise of Tijuana, the book examines a number of aspects of the region's social and cultural history, including urban growth and housing, the mysterious underworld of border-town nightlife, a film noir treatment of the Peteet family suicides, borderlands cuisine, the life of...

This selection of excerpts and essays delineates Brazilian culture as exemplified by its people. Two pieces that provide a general overview of Brazilian peoples are followed by four chronological sections, each of which is preceded by a historical sketch of the period under examination.

Focusing on Nicaragua after the 1990 Sandinista electoral defeat, this book is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary study of one of the most unusual cases of regime transition in the late 20th century. It shows the similarities and differences between Nicaragua's regime and those of other countries.

Mexicans, since national independence, have defined their challenges as problems or dimensions in their lives. They have faced these issues alone or with others through politics, security (the military, police, or even public health squads), religion, family, and popular groups. This compelling reader collects documents--texts, visuals, videos, and sounds--from organizational reports, popular expressions, and ephemeral creations to express these concerns, reveal responses, and measure successes. They allow readers to consider and discuss how these documents enabled Mexicans to evaluate their...