This seminar is a study of the IMF-induced economic reforms in Latin America since 1980.  These so-called “Neo-Liberal” reforms have been instituted despite a fire-storm of controversy which has strained the growing democratization of the region as well as US-Latin American relations.  The intent is to investigate the background of the IMF reforms and their effect on the people, the economies and the political structure of the region.  The specific nature of the IMF conditional requirements for privatization of government-owned industries, balanced budgets, currency devaluations and de-bureaucratization to promote monetary stability will be a focus of this seminar.

The study of this topic will include a series of national case studies reflecting the reform process in a variety of economic and political circumstances. The case studies presented will include:

1. Costa Rica - a small, middle class economy with a long history of consensual democracy
2. Argentina - a large industrialized economy with a fledgling democracy and a long history of class conflict.
3. Mexico - a large industrialized economy with a unique and growing democracy.  Mexico has also been chosen due to its proximity to the US, which has resulted in trends often being notices first in Mexico.
4. Chile or Peru - Neo-Liberal reform within the context of authoritarian dictatorships and with substantial industrialization
5. If students have a special interest in other Latin American nations, it will be possible add case studies with a request prior to the seminar.

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• to be announced