What are the unique features of the governing structures and political systems of the small states and former British colonies of the East Caribbean? Are they truly democratic? Do the decision makers manipulate their peoples? And what can we learn about the political modernization of developing countries through an in-depth study of the governing of Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts/Nevis and Montserrat? This is the most comprehensive analysis to date of these little-known democracies, one that will interest students in comparative government and Latin American studies.

This study provides a conceptual framework for comparing East Caribbean governments with other Western political systems, for assessing the democratic and authoritarian characteristics of seven small states, and for analyzing the impact of modernization on the political development of these developing nations. The study describes the political institutions in the East Caribbean, the role of political parties, the church, and class, and shows how the particular social and economic problems affect the governments and people in the region.