Roger Burbach, Michael Fox and Federico Fuentes present an insightful and intelligent discussion on the Left in Latin America and twenty-first-century socialism, providing an excellent analysis of the multiple dimensions that underline the profound changes sweeping through the continent. The book critically examines two central but conflicting processes which have contributed to the region's turbulent transition: the demise of the US as a hegemonic power in Latin America, and the rise and rejuvenation of socialism following the collapse of the traditional socialist order. As Latin America embarks on its ‘second independence’, the authors explore the growth and proliferation of a new generation of social movements and the subsequent rise of New Left leaders. Drawing on a wide range of discussions, this book delivers a comprehensive account of the social struggles facing Latin American societies and the actors and ongoing socialist projects that are playing a crucial role in Latin America's transformation and the construction of an alternative to neoliberalism and capitalism.

The first three chapters provide a broad outline of the social, economic and political conditions under which Latin America's transformation is taking place. Chapter 1 examines the impact of neoliberalism and capitalist globalisation on the continent and the subsequent rise of social movements through social struggles and popular mobilisation in response to the failure of neoliberal policies. Chapter 2 moves on to discuss the decline of US hegemony in Latin America due to imperial overstretch and the challenges it faces from ‘pink tide’ governments in the region. The chapter explores the rise of ‘new continentalism’ and the push for greater regional collaboration and integration, focusing on regional trade organisations such as UNASUR and ALBA which are directly confronting neoliberalism and US imperialism.

Chapter 3 analyses the continued support of capitalist modes of production, in particular neo-extractivism, by New Left governments in Latin America. It raises the question of whether these governments are truly embarking on the construction of a post-neoliberal society or if they are implementing a neo-developmentalist twenty-first-century version of the import substitution industrialisation model popular in the 1960s and 1970s. It also considers why the New Left in Latin America has been so hesitant to implement a socialist economy based on public ownership of the means of production, but has instead continued to depend on extractive and agricultural activities.

Using country studies, the second part of the book demonstrates how twenty-first-century socialism, rooted in democratic processes and procedures, is developing at a very distinct pace in each country and explores further the issues raised in the first three chapters. Focusing on Venezuela, chapter 4 discusses the origins of the Bolivarian revolution, the rise of Chávez and the rejuvenation of socialism. The chapter considers how serious a challenge twenty-first-century socialism represents to capitalism and explores the barriers it faces both at home and abroad, in particular the ongoing US intervention and intensifying class struggle in Venezuela. Furthermore, the authors explore the dynamic relationship that existed between Chávez and the masses, and his ability to tap into the deep discontent among the popular classes, engaging these citizens through a number of popular initiatives.

Chapter 5 discusses the emergence of new indigenous nationalism and communitarian socialism in Bolivia. The chapter looks at the economic roots of the social revolution and Morales’ new economic model, centred on nationalisation and refounding the state. It examines how successful the Morales government has been in turning its new economic policies into reality and the empowerment of Bolivia's indigenous popular classes. The chapter also addresses the rising creative tensions between social movements and the government and Bolivia's shift away from US imperialism through the promotion of regional initiatives.

Written by Marc Becker, chapter 6 focuses on Ecuador and the emergence of buen vivir socialism which incorporates the indigenous perspective of an alternative to development based on the notion of a good life. Becker argues that out of all the New Left governments in Latin America, the government of Rafael Correa has taken on the more moderate and ambiguous position and has had the most difficult and complicated relationship with social movements. The chapter discusses the increasing challenges the Correa government faces from social movements and popular protests in response to its extractive policies, and examines Ecuador's anti-imperialist position and its leading role in new regional initiatives aimed at achieving hemispheric integration.

Chapter 7 examines Brazil's role in supporting the more radical Left governments in Latin America whilst confronting US hegemony both within the region and abroad by blocking US economic interests and promoting regional integration. The chapter looks at Brazil's foreign and domestic policy under Lula, in particular the implementation of reformist poverty alleviation and social programmes and Brazil's transformation into one of the most important players on the world stage. It traces the roots and growth of the Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers’ Party, PT) and the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Sem Terra (Landless Workers’ Movement, MST) and discusses the frequent conflicts between the government and its former allies over the growth and support of agro-industry, neo-extractivism and renewable energy programmes under the PT. Lastly, chapter 8 discusses the major transformation that Cuba is currently undergoing as new social and economic measures are implemented under Raúl Castro. As Cuba fights to overcome its economic difficulties and move beyond the legacy of twentieth-century socialism, the authors question what these changes mean for socialism in Cuba.

The authors successfully present a sophisticated study on twenty-first-century socialism in Latin America which undergraduates and postgraduates interested in social and political science and will find extremely useful. This book makes an important contribution to the discussion on the future of the Left in Latin America and provides critical insight into the political and social challenges that New Left governments face as they embark on the challenge of constructing an alternative to capitalism.