During Hugo Chavez's presidency, Venezuelan society underwent a sudden-and vicious-split between the Chavistas and the Opposition. What accounts for the extreme intensity of the split? How did differences so quickly become irreconcilable? What role did the media play? Answering these and related questions, Ana Mallen and Maria Pilar Garcia-Guadilla explore how participatory democracy led to profound social polarization in Venezuela.

About the Author
Ana L. Mallen has researched Venezuelan politics for fifteen years. She has worked with communities in Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela.

Maria Pilar Garcia-Guadilla is professor of political and urban sociology at the Universidad Simon Bolivar in Venezuela.

Reviews
Brilliant.... One of the most important books on Venezuela that have come out in recent years. Delivers one of the most penetrating, illuminating, and convincing explanations for the extreme sociopolitical polarization in Venezuela's Bolivarian republic. A sound and welcome revision to literature on democracy and polarization. An important contribution.... The book will appeal not only to experts on Venezuela but also to students of populism, left-wing politics, democratic theory, and contentious politics.



Book Information
ISBN 9781626375895
Author Ana L. Mallen
Format Hardback
Page Count 170
Imprint Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc
Publisher Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 460g