Of Paradoxes, Dilemmas, and Comparisons: Essays in Honor of Kevin Middlebrook

This volume honors the scholarly contributions of Kevin Middlebrook, presenting essays that explore Mexican labor history, comparative politics, and U.S.–Latin American relations, with a focus on NAFTA/USMCA. The first section engages with Middlebrook’s work on Mexican labor, featuring dialogues on historical and policy analyses and reflections on Mexico’s democratization. The second section examines his impact on comparative politics, including studies of Peru’s military regimes and democratic transitions in Latin America. The final section addresses U.S.–Latin American relations, highlighting labor provisions under NAFTA/USMCA and their effects on Mexico’s trade unions and economic development. By bringing together leading experts, the volume demonstrates the enduring relevance of Middlebrook’s scholarship for understanding labor, political dynamics, and international trade in Latin America, making it an essential resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in the region.