This book attempts to illuminate the special problems that countries face when democracy is restored after a considerable lapse of time. Its central concern is the problems faced by the new governments in both the formulation and implementation of economic policy. In each of six cases - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay - an analysis is made of the difficulties encountered and performance of the democratic government.

The book includes an introductory chapter which synthesises and draws general lessons from the different experiences.