Studies in the Formation of the Nation-state in Latin America

This text adopts a variety of disciplinary, thematic and country-based approaches to the complex and contested issues around the character of the nation-state in Latin America. There has been scholarly interest in this topic from the viewpoint of cultural and literary studies, but Latin America remains under-represented in general historical and sociological theories of nationhood. The authors seek to develop debate and research on the topic through: case studies (including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Spain); historiographical review and themes such as the role of violence, military conscription and pensions, money and the role of finance; early notions of development; the ambiguous role of liberalism; and how to evaluate the reach and qualities of the nation-state.