Linking Political Violence and Crime in Latin America: Myths, Realities, and Complexities

(Hardback)

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This edited collection explores the politics of crime and violence in Latin America through both theoretical reflections as well as several detailed case studies based on empirical, primary research. Its overall aim is to explore common misperceptions and simplifications which are often found in political discourses, policy documentation, as well as some academic work. These simplifications include a focus on gangs, narrow understandings of organized criminal groups and the knock-on effect that such a focus has on policy making. Instead, the chapters in this book shift the readers gaze to more structural explanations and analytical approaches, moving them towards an understanding of how wider historical, economic, cultural and even psychological issues impact the complex relationships between crime, violence, and politics in the region. The detailed case studies also allow for a unique comparative analysis of problems faced throughout the region. While significant differences exist, analysis of the case studies reveals common issues, problems, and debates between countries (including structural violence, militarization, and neo-liberalism). These golden threads reveal not only the complexity of crime and violence in the region but also expose the failure of the overly simple gangsterism discourse found elsewhere. Finally, and importantly, several of the chapters explore the politics of policy making in relation to these problems, shedding light on the complex reasons for policy failures and highlighting innovative opportunities for change. Whilst shedding light on current problems in the region the book also offers a range of analytical approaches for exploring other cases where crime, violence, and politics collide.

Reviews

A new and very much needed approach . . . In a field that has become ossified by a series of approaches developed in the Global North and deployed oftentimes uncritically, Linking Police Violence and Crime in Latin America is a fresh look into crime and violence in this continent. . . . There is no doubt that Linking Political Violence and Crime in Latin America is important, even essential, reading for scholars interested in violence in the region. * International Studies Review *
Linking Political Violence and Crime in Latin America contests contemporary approaches by introducing readers to innovative structural alternatives to failing policies. It is a truly rich collection of essays by an eclectic set of dynamic academics from a wide array of disciplines. They offer scholars, policymakers, and curious readers the opportunity to investigate possible solutions to human suffering. While this work concentrates on Latin America, its approach can be adopted to study other regions of the world with comparable socio-political complications. -- Hanna S. Kassab, Northern Michigan University
Linking Political Violence and Crime in Latin America is a timely and very important book.Highly recommended for students, academics, and policy-makers interested in Latin America and this important topic. -- Jonathan D. Rosen, Holy Family University

Author Bio

Kirsten Howarth is a lecturer in humanitarian and conflict response at the University of Manchester. Jenny H. Peterson is an instructor at the University of British Columbia.