Globalization on the Ground brings together the thinking of a group of concerned scholars on the problems of the development of democracy in the post-civil war era. Four of the contributors are Guatemalans with long records of understanding the dynamics of their country, and the remainder are North Americans, most of whom are longtime observers. The authors pose questions and issues that speak to the difficulties currently confronting Guatemala.

Richard Adams, University of Texas

An impressive overview of key issues necessary to understanding contemporary Guatemala in historical-and to some extent regional-context. It is in bringing these reflections together in one place, and in English, that the book makes its single most important contribution. It is as up-to-date, comprehensive and consistently intelligent a treatment as have in English of any single Central American country.

Latin American Politics and Society

For scholars interested in the prospects for democracy and development in Guatemala, this book represents a uniquely important contribution.

Contemporary Sociology

Globalization on the Ground offers us an in-depth picture of the prospects and difficulties of a democratic transition in Guatemala following its civil war. Its story, told by Guatemalan and U.S. scholars, has lessons about power and ethnicity applicable around the globe, and should be read by far more than the area specialists. It is the story of the uncertain hopes of our current world scene.

Immanuel Wallerstein, Fernand Braudel Center, Yale University