Murder and Violence in Modern Latin America

A thorough assessment of the gripping yet gruesome topic of Latin American violence - an issue that is at the forefront of life and politics in the region today. Written by leading scholars from the Americas and Europe, this book is the most comprehensive study of the subject to date and it focuses specifically on state-supported murder and violence. The contributors trace the trajectory of murder and violence in the region over the past two centuries and examine theories and trends regarding violence since the end of colonial rule.

The essays cover topics such as “the disappeared,” the rise of drug cartels and narco-violence, physical violence against wives, the judging and sentencing of violent crimes, genocide, and state terrorism. The contributors also explain macro-level theories regarding the rise of civilization, state building, and violence and apply them to the context of contemporary Latin America. Illuminating the complexity of this pressing contemporary issue, this is important scholarship for those studying the topic of violence in Latin America and around the world.