Marxism, Socialism, and Democracy in Latin America

At a time when the validity of Marxism is being questioned because of the collapse of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, Richard Harris examines the relevance of Marxism and socialism for Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Harris discusses recent revolutionary regimes and attempts at socialist transformation in the region in terms of Marxist theory, comparing them with the historical experiences of the Soviet Union, China, Yugoslavia, and Vietnam. The author argues that Marxist theory offers a framework for understanding recent revolutionary transformations as well as the contradictions and limitations of existing democratic regimes in the region. Particular attention is given to revolutionary Cuba, the Allende administration in Chile, the Popular Revolutionary Government in Grenada, the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua, and contemporary leftist parties and movements throughout Latin America. He contends that democratization and the solution of the region's economic and social problems require a democratic socialist project.

Introduction -- The Relevance of Early Marxist Thought on the Transition to Socialism -- The Lack of a General Theory of the Transition to Socialism -- The Transitional State: Democracy or Dictatorship or Both? -- The Stages of Transition -- The Expropriation of Capital -- The Socialization of Agriculture -- Development of the Forces of Production -- Moral Stimulation and Material Incentives -- Socialist Forms of Organization -- Ideology and Culture in the Transition -- The Emancipation of Women -- Lessons and Prospects for Socialism in Latin America

Harris, Richard L.