This accessible, up-to-date look at Latin American politics explores how-and to what effect-diverse forces on the left have not only captured the imagination of vast swathes of the continent's population, but also taken hold of the reins of government. The authors assess the multiple currents of Latin America's left turns, considering their origins, their relationships to political parties and social movements, and their performance in office. They also consider the challenges faced by such leaders as Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, and ""Lula"" da Silva in efforts to address long-standing socioeconomic inequalities. Explicitly comparative and enhanced with solid empirical material, the book offers a thoughtful commentary on Latin America's changing political environment.