Incomplete transition: military power and democracy in Argentina

Abstract

Despite crucial steps toward democracy, the role of military-security forces in Argentina remains significant. Incomplete Transition demonstrates and analyzes the ongoing political impact of institutionalized military power in a country that has officially been under civilian rule since 1983. Examining the presidency of Raul Alfonsin (1983-1989), McSherry shows the struggle that developed between democratizing sectors and the armed forces to define the nature of Argentina's emerging democracy. She then proceeds to reveal how reduced confrontation under the Menem administration has not erased the continuing institutional presence of the military-security apparatus within the political system. In addition to offering a comprehensive study of the political workings in Argentina, McSherry offers a conceptual framework for understanding all political systems that combine features of democracy with features of persisting military control. Incomplete Transition is a book that anyone interested in Latin American politics and history or in the transition of governments around the world will want to read.