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Book Details
Abstract
Venezuela has been blessed and cursed by oil. Once Latin America's wealthiest country, its petrodollars paid for political stability, dramatic modernisation and rampant corruption. But the boom years are now long gone and Venezuelans face poverty and growing social conflict. Despite its political woes, South America's cultural melting pot is a vibrant centre for music, soap operas and sport, relecting its rich mix of people and influences.
Table of Contents
| Section Title | Page | Action | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Page | 1 | ||
| Copyright Page | 2 | ||
| Table of Contents | 3 | ||
| Introduction | 5 | ||
| 1: Land and People – In Search of El Dorado | 7 | ||
| Changing Landscapes | 7 | ||
| The Melting Pot | 11 | ||
| 2: Political System – Parties, Patronage and Power | 19 | ||
| The End of an Era? | 19 | ||
| The Traditional Parties | 22 | ||
| Caudillos | 24 | ||
| The Great U-Turn | 28 | ||
| 3: Economy – Boom and Bust | 32 | ||
| Black Gold | 32 | ||
| The Colonial Economy | 33 | ||
| The Petrol Phenomenon | 35 | ||
| The Quest for Diversification | 40 | ||
| 4: Society – Plenty and Poverty | 46 | ||
| Two Venezuelas | 46 | ||
| Social Crisis | 48 | ||
| Caracas | 49 | ||
| Human Rights | 56 | ||
| Popular Protest | 57 | ||
| 5: Culture and Identity – Modern and Traditional | 60 | ||
| US Influences | 61 | ||
| Pop Culture | 63 | ||
| Music and Fiestas | 64 | ||
| Regional Identity | 65 | ||
| Good Neighbour? | 67 | ||
| Conclusion | 69 | ||
| Further Reading and Addresses | 70 | ||
| Facts and Figures/Reference Map | 71 |