Table of Contents

Part I. Theoretical Considerations: 1. Introduction; 2. The difficulty of accounting for reverse waves; 3. A theory of reactionary waves; Part II. Revolution and the Reactionary Backlash in Latin America: 4. Diffusion effects of the Cuban Revolution; 5. Waves of radicalization and reaction; 6. The imposition of institutional authoritarianism; 7. Horizontal diffusion and vertical promotion in the autocratic wave; Part III. Comparative Perspectives and Theoretical Conclusions: 8. Reactionary waves across history; 9. Conclusion: theoretical reflections.

Promotional Information

Explains how bold efforts at profound progressive change provoked a powerful reactionary backlash that led to the imposition of brutal, regressive dictatorships.

About the Author

Kurt Weyland utilizes a distinctive theoretical approach that draws on cognitive-psychological insights to elucidate crucial political phenomena. He is the author of four books and approximately fifty journal articles and book chapters. His previous book about waves of democratization, Making Waves, (Cambridge, 2014), won the book award from American Political Science Association's Comparative Democratization section.