Abstract

Conflict, domination, violence—in this wide-ranging, briskly narrated volume from acclaimed Mexican historian Carlos Illades, these three phenomena register the pulse of a diverse, but inequitable and discriminatory, social order. Drawing on rich and varied historical sources, Illades guides the reader through seven signal episodes in Mexican social history, from rebellions under Porfirio Díaz’s dictatorship to the cycles of violence that have plagued the country’s deep south to the recent emergence of neo-anarchist movements. Taken together, they comprise a mosaic history of power and resistance, with artisans, rural communities, revolutionaries, students, and ordinary people confronting the forces of domination and transforming Mexican society.

“Unequivocally, a very timely work that expands the understanding of Mexico’s social history…Highly recommended.” • Choice

“As one of the preeminent Mexican historians of his generation, Carlos Illades is uniquely able to provide a long-term perspective on themes of great contemporary relevance. This long-awaited translation of his work into English demonstrates his expertise on a range of historical topics, making a vital contribution to Mexican historiography.” • Pablo Piccato, Columbia University

Carlos Illades is a professor and researcher at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City and has been a visiting fellow at Harvard, Columbia, Universitat Jaume I, and other institutions. He is a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences and is a Level 3 (Top-tier) National Researcher. His books include Estado de guerra. De la guerra sucia a la narcoguerra (2014, with Teresa Santiago) and La inteligencia rebelde. La izquierda en el debate público en México, 1968-1989 (2012).