The Organization of American States as the advocate and guardian of democracy : an insider's critical assessment of its role in promoting and defending democracy

As democracy has become the preferred system of government in the hemisphere in the past thirty years or so, its promotion and defense have also become the cornerstone and raison d’être of the Organization of American States (OAS)—the central and principal inter-governmental institution in the Western Hemisphere. Perina’s book presents a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of its new role in promoting and defending democracy in the Americas from an insider’s perspective; examines how exactly it performs its role among its member states; points out the tensions, weaknesses and shortcomings that constrain its performance; and suggests ways of strengthening it. This unique perspective offers substantive information, insight, and theoretical and empirical analysis that provide readers with greater knowledge and understanding of the complex workings of the Organization. The book echoes the author’s belief in its usefulness, relevance and potential as the most important hemispheric multilateral organization for the promotion and defense of democracy and human rights. Introduction -- Democracy In The Americas: The Struggle For Survival -- Cold War Challenges To Democracy And Early Oas Efforts To Defend It (1948-1985) -- The International Promotion Of Democracy -- The New Diplomatic And Legal Instruments For The Collective Promotion And Defense Of Democracy -- The Inter-american Democratic Charter -- Technical Assistance For Democracy Promotion: Theory And Practice -- Electoral Observation: Between Relevance And Interference -- The Survival Of Democracy And Oas Relevance -- Institutional Tensions And Weaknesses -- The Challenging Hemispheric Horizon -- Suggestions For Revitalization. Rubén M. Perina. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 241-256). Contents Preface Abbreviations 1 Introduction 2 Democracy in the Americas: The Struggle for Survival 3 Cold War Challenges to Democracy and Early OAS Efforts to Defend It (1948–1985) 4 The International Promotion of Democracy 5 The New Diplomatic and Legal Instruments for the Collective Promotion and Defense of Democracy 6 The Inter-American Democratic Charter 7 Technical Assistance for Democracy Promotion: Theory and Practice 8 Electoral Observation: Between Relevance and Interference 9 The Survival of Democracy and OAS Relevance 10 Institutional Tensions and Weaknesses 11 The Challenging Hemispheric Horizon 12 Suggestions for Revitalization Bibliography About the Author This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the Organization of American States’ new role in promoting and defending democracy in the Americas; examines how exactly it performs its role among its member states; points out the tensions, weaknesses and shortcomings that constrain its performance, and suggests ways of strengthening it.