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In a moment when democracy is being questioned around the world, this book brings a reflection on the shortcomings of representative democracy, but also a ray of hope for democratic politics. The result of a collaborative and interdisciplinary work with years of research in several countries, the book speaks of efforts made by citizens and city governments in Latin America to deepen democracy through the inclusion of more voices in the public policy decision-making process. What emerges is a rich portrait of success and failure: democracy is taking roots in Latin America, yet its residents still confront socioeconomic inequalities, criminality and both environmental and social injustice. At the same time, notions of popular participation and local government accountability are more prevalent in urban Latin America with the potential of transforming city politics, and hopefully to deepen democracy in the region.

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Ivani Vassoler is an Associate Professor Political Science at the State of University of New York, Fredonia. She authored "Urban Brazil: Visions, Afflictions and Governance Lessons" (2008) and co-edited "The Geography, Politics and Architecture of Cities"(2012). She received a Ph.D in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland.

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