Democracy and Revolution : Latin America and Socialism Today

Written by a highly renowned and experienced author, this book is hugely topical - focuses on Chavez in Venezuela, and Castro in Cuba.

It argues that Chavez and other Latin American leaders represent a real way forward for the Left and the anti-capitalist movement, and that the Left must take power on a democratic basis.

It is useful for both activists and students of politics and Latin American Studies (upper level undergraduate).

Is socialism dead since the fall of the Soviet Union?

What is the way forward for the Left? Raby argues that Cuba and above all Venezuela provide inspiration for anti-globalisation and anti-capitalist movements across the world.

Another world is possible, but only through an effective political strategy to win power on a popular and democratic basis.

Raby argues passionately that the way forward for progressives is not the dogmatic formulae of the Old Left, nor in the spontaneous autonomism of John Holloway or Tony Negri.

Instead, it is to be found in new, broad and flexible popular movements with bold and determined leadership. Examining the relationship of key leaders to their people, including Hugo Chavez and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Raby shows that it is more necessary than ever to take power, peacefully where possible, but in all cases with the strength that comes from popular unity backed by force where necessary.

In this way it is possible to build democratic power, which may or may not be socialist depending on one's definition, but which represent the real anti-capitalist alternative for the twenty-first century.