“While official Washington and elite media have been mucking about in the Middle East, journalist Nikolas Kozloff has charted his own path amid the terrain-shifting upsurges in 'America's backyard.' He casts a sympathetic but critical eye at the leftward trend in South American politics, the battles over oil and media, the rise of indigenous movements and sometimes erratic populist leaders. If you get your news on Latin America from mainstream media, this wide-ranging book is a needed corrective.” —Jeff Cohen, author of Cable News Confidential and founder of the media watch group FAIR

“A much needed antidote to the mainstream media's canting coverage of Latin America. Kozloff is an acute observer of contemporary Latin American politics, and he proves to be an indispensable guide to the ideas, politics, and economics behind the region's yet latest attempt to wrest some wiggle room from Washington, as well as to the possibilities and perils that confront its 'New Left' leaders and activists.” —Greg Grandin, author of Empire's Workshop: Latin America, the United States, and the Rise of the New Imperialism

“Succeeds in showing how the countries [of South America] have moved away from cookie-cutter solutions and are each working to develop equitable societies on their own terms.” —Publishers Weekly

“Kozloff traverses South America in this timely review of the leftist shift among many of America's southern hemispheric neighbors. Kozloff's narrative is readable and well developed, ending in the concept of a community of nations and the obstacles to its realization.” —Library Journal

“Lively and accessible…serves as a useful introduction to the region's current political dynamics, and Kozloff's writing shines when he describes lesser-known characters and stories in the South American shift to the left.” —Benjamin Dangl, Upside Down World

“Kozloff charts a course across the leftist landscape of South America, travelling from the more radical countries in the Andean north to the less revolutionary states of the Southern Cone.” —Michael Busch, CUNY Graduate Center Advocate

“Effectively etches the complex cartography out from simple borders to rich climates and changing geographies…For such an ambitious undertaking, the reader is well-rewarded.” —Sam Alcoff, The Indypendent

“In this timely and insightful analysis, acclaimed journalist and Latin American authority, Nikolas Kozloff explores the continent's new path and its affect on the U.S. With access to top political brass and a lively reportage style, Kozloff shows how we can secure and protect our ties with our close neighbors.” —ZNET

“[Kozloff] lets us in on his travels, Jack Kerouac-style.” —Roger Lowenstein, New York Times