Study of processes that relate to human rights in region, including examination of complex legal and cultural underpinnings and theoretic and political debates. Examines phenomena such as political corruption, forced migration, xenophobia, violence, etc. that fueled worsening human rights violations in region. Covers period from World War II to construction of modern political order in Latin America. Last chapter sums up progress, challenges, and ongoing battles for effective implementation of human rights protections.