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Challenging conventional theories about the process and impact of globalization, The Dialectics of Globalization is from the Latin America in Global Perspective series. Through comparative analyses of case studies by leading economists, social scientists, and geographers from Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, this volume refines the u

"Since the 1930s the state has played a primary role in the development process of Latin American countries, and political systems have had strong corporatist and authoritarian-centralist features. In the last several years, as that role has become increasingly incompatible with neoliberal reforms and the requirements of a transition to democracy, state power has been significantly decentralized, and the state has withdrawn from direct intervention in the economy. This book examines the consequences of the redefinition of the state for processes of democratization and statecivil society relations. }Since the 1930s the state has played a primary role in the development process of most Latin American countries, and political systems have had strong corporatist and authoritarian-centralist features. In the last several years, as that role has become increasingly incompatible with neoliberal reforms and the requirements of a transition to democracy, state power has been significantly decentralized, and the state has withdrawn from direct intervention in the economy. This book examines the consequences of the redefinition of the state for processes of democratization and statecivil society relations, looking, for example, at transfers of power to local and regional authorities, the role of NGOs and other interest groups in policymaking, the emergence of new social movements, and privatization and the introduction of market criteria. Several country case studies are also included. }"--Provided by publisher.

The article analyzes the changes in the development paradigm in Latin America since the 1980s resulting in the restructuring of the economies in the region along neoliberal lines. This development has taken place within globally defined parameters and structures. The process led to profound changes in the role of the state and in the functioning of the structures of interest representation. Most countries have been under great pressure to restructure labor markets, to keep wage costs at low levels, and to make employment practices more flexible to meet the exigencies of international competition. The power of the trade unions has declined, leaving labor more vulnerable and insecure. Corporatism has lost influence as a mechanism of interest representation under neoliberalism. The impact of globalizing processes has worsened existing inequalities and has increased the socioeconomic differences between classes and regions. The continuing situation of extreme socioeconomic inequality has been pressuring the incipient processes of democratization. The region needs a new development paradigm, one that will include a redefinition of the relationship between state and market and an emphasis on policies that are focused on democratic, equitable and sustainable development.El articulo analiza los cambios que se han presentado en el paradigma de desarrollo aplicado en America Latina desde los 80 resultando en la reestructuración de las economías de la región segun las recetas neoliberales. Este proceso se dio dentro de parametros y estructuras globalmente definidas. Resultaron profundos cambios en el papel del Estado y en el funcionamiento de las estructuras de representación de intereses. Casi todos los paises se han visto presionados de reestructurar los mercados de trabajo, mantener los salarios a niveles inferiores y flexibilizar las practicas laborales para poder competir en el mercado internacional. El poder del movimiento sindical ha bajado dejando el sector laboral en una situación vulnerable y con falta de seguridad laboral. El corporativismo ha perdido influencia como mecanismo de articulación de intereses. El impacto de procesos de globalización ha afectado la distribución de ingresos y ha aumentado las desiguladades socioeconómicas entre regiones y clases sociales. America Latina necesita un nuevo paradigma de desrrollo que reemplazara al Consenso de Washington y que incluye redefinir la relación entre Estado y mercado mas una enfasis en políticas enfocadas en un desarrollo democrático, equitativo y sustentable.