Hugo Chavez

This is the riveting and frightening story of ambitious, tempestuous and avowed anti-American Hugo Chavez, who is making waves through South America and being widely compared to Fidel Castro. Ex-paratrooper, outspoken socialist, and brash personality, Chavez is known for his stance against big business, fearless threats to the Bush administration, social reforms that have violently polarized his country, and claims that he will soon unite South America. As gas prices rise to unprecedented highs, Venezuela's importance surges as the fifth largest oil exporter in the world. Nikolas Kozloff's access to top advisors, members of the opposition, and leaders of Chavez's own political movement allow him to present a comprehensive portrait of Chavez as he runs for re-election and moves into the global spotlight.

Reviews of the hardback: 'Nikolas Kozloff's Hugo Chavez is a thought-provoking explanation of why people around the planet hail Venezuela's fiery leader as a hero...essential reading for all who want to understand modern global politics.' - John Perkins, author of the New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man 'Enables readers to understand the Chavez movement on its own terms while also making clear Chavez's larger significance in the current politics and possible future direction of Latin America.' - Doug Yarrington, Colorado State University, USA 'This book is highly recommended reading for those who want to understand Chavez beyond his rhetoric - the real basis of his support and his actual policies.' - Wenche Hauge, Journal of Peace Research

NIKOLAS KOZLOFF is Senior Research Fellow, Council on Hemispheric Affairs (Washington, D.C.). He writes regularly for Counterpunch, Political Affairs, and other political magazines.