By Jorge G. Castaneda
"Mexico, poised somewhere between developing nation and developed liberal democracy, and the obstacles to its advancement into modernity occupy the nations former foreign minister in this analytic work. Venturing on the slightly perilous topic of national character, Castaeda considers half a dozen traits of Mexican society within the context of Mexican history, how they have evolved as revealed by opinion surveys, and what dynamism in these traits portends for Mexicos future. Seasoning the presentation with his own experiences and ruminations by Mexican writers, Castaeda identifies corruption and disregard for law as critical impediments to national economic development. Those problems he sees as emanating from such widespread attitudes as the propensities of Mexicans to view themselves and their country as victims and become obsessed with their history as such, an exaggerated individualism that stifles formation of civic organizations, and a psychic aversion to conflict in interpersonal relations and politics. Also touching hot-button issues like immigration and drug trafficking, this is a debate-stoking current events necessity for most collections." (Booklist) Check Our Catalog
No comments:
Post a Comment