Unlike many of the works appearing on Central America recently, Anderson’s Politics in Central America is written by one author, and is not strident in its indictment of the Central American reality and U. S. complicity in its maintenance. A more traditional work, it is a good chronology of the recent history of the four Central American countries that—up to 1979—had the most in common. By leaving out reformist Costa Rica, Anderson is able to bring out common characteristics (authoritarian politics, and what he sees as a proclivity for violent conflict). He begins the volume with a brief social and political overview of the four republics that establishes commonalities and serves as a useful introduction for those who could benefit from additional background. The remaining pages are divided into case studies, with updated sections added for this edition.
The work’s strengths lie in its meticulous relation of day-to-day events in the countries under discussion. Relying on personal observations gleaned from extensive field experience in the isthmus, and sources like Latin America Weekly Report (London) and the Central American Report (Guatemala City), Anderson gives an excellent account of major political events in the last few decades. Although the detail and wealth of information are fascinating (and often quite useful as references to specific events), the work is almost totally innocent of theory, in general, and dependency theory, in particular. Some might find a tendency toward hyperfactualism and less-than-profound analysis. Others might appreciate the nonpolemical approach. There are no references to Israeli aid or involvement in-the region or to the attempt by the United States to use the O.A.S. to stop the Sandinistas from taking power. Used in conjunction with other works on Central America, many might find Politics in Central America to be a useful teaching tool.
