Chavez's Children

Manuel Anselmi has produced an insightful analysis of ideology under the Chávez government, paying particular attention to its implementation in the Bolivarian education system. . . .Overall, Anselmi succeeds in identifying the central components of Hugo Chávez's ideological project, and in highlighting the great importance attached to education by the current government. * Journal of Latin American Studies *
Chavez’s Children is a serious examination of the evolution of the myth and ideals associated with the Great Liberator Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) from his original federalist and pro-republican ideas to the present Bolivarian movement of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez Frias. With Chavez’s unceasing help, the historical Bolivar has been adapted to fit Chavez’s creed of anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and militaristic socialism and made the symbol of a new quest for Latin American unity. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the mechanics of the Bolivarian movement in Venezuela and how these ideas are being passed down, or better said, imposed, on a future generation of Chavistas. -- Ray Walser, Senior Policy Analyst, The Heritage Foundation
Anselmi’s research reveals an evolving educational system at odds with our stereotypes, both positive and negative ones, about contemporary Venezuela in the Hugo Chávez era.  Schools in Venezuela promote pragmatic goals as well as 'Bolivarian values' having diverse roots in the country’s history and both Marxist and Enlightenment thought. The response of the country’s children confirms neither the alarms sounded by ardent critics or the hopes of its most fervent defenders. -- Daniel Hellinger, Webster University