This is a political history of Venezuela that focuses on the modern period, from 1958 through the present, with detailed treatment of the current Chávez era. Ellner (history, U. de Oriente, Venzuela) "rethinks" Venezuelan political history in three primary ways. He emphasizes the importance of political and especially social demands and aspirations, purposes to avoid the distortions of politically motivated interpretations "from Betancourt to Chávez," and rejects the Venezuelan exceptionalism argument that portrays the post-1958 democracy as a model of social harmony and political stability. Overall, he judges the country's political movements, particularly the Chavistas, on their ability to simultaneously pursue the struggle for social justice, the struggle for democracy, the effort to promote national economic development, and the adoption of economic and political nationalism. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)