Analyzes the evolution of the political, economic and social spheres in the Southern Cone countries: Argentina (three sessions), Chile (three sessions), the small states (Uruguay and Paraguay, one session each) and inter-state issues (five sessions). Devotes particular attention to political and economic institutions, modernization, bureaucratic authoritarianism, the dismantling of import-substitution industrialization and free market restructuring, transitions to democracy, civil-military relations, corruption, poverty and inequality, and energy.