In the third volume of this annual series, Robert G. Breene provides a comprehensive overview, analysis, and summary of the major political and economic trends and events in Central American, MERCOSUR, Andean and Caribbean nations, including Mexico. The yearbook provides a timely look at relevant background information necessary to an understanding of the status of political forces in Latin America today.

Chapter 1 looks at the elections and status of political forces in Latin America and describes the political situations in the four groups of nations. It provides an up-to-date, realistic definition of today's political "Left." Chapter 2 relates the politico-economic backgrounds of such representative Latin American nations as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama, while chapter 3 explores in detail three hemispheric heads of state receiving much international attention: Pinochet, Ortega, and Clinton. Chapter 4 discusses the Hemispheric Left (HL), described as a loose association of amorphous Marxist and militant left organizations, and, as in previous editions of this yearbook, includes an overview of all hemispheric terrorism. The year 1998 witnessed an increased, overshadowing level of terrorism in Colombia necessitating separate coverage of Colombian terrorism, which is treated in chapter 5. The final two chapters are concerned with the Hemispheric Left Support, dealing with the association of Latin American Marxist and Marxist-Leninist organizations, and providing a look at Latin American international organizations, including regional summits and hemisphere-wide associations such as the Grupo de Rio and the Organization of American States.

This third volume is brimming with facts and provides information not readily available through American media. Compact yet comprehensive, it is essential reading for political scientists, Latin American area specialists, and historians.

Robert G. Breene, Jr. has been a fighter pilot, a newspaper correspondent in Central America, a professor of physics, and the owner and operator of a 600-head cattle ranch in Nevada. His is currently head of the Latin American Syndicate in San Antonio, Texas.