This book evaluates the capacity of new democratic regimes to promote redistributive agrarian reform, an issue of contemporary concern in countries throughout the world. Agrarian reform is particularly complex and difficult for new democracies because it curtails the power and privileges of influential elements of society. The author analyzes the problems attendant on political liberalization and social and economic reform by examining in detail the formulation and implementation of agrarian reform in the Philippines under the governments of Corazon Aquino and her successor, Fidel Ramos. The book explores how the interaction between state and society shapes reform policy decisions, paying close attention to the role of cultural variables and social organizations. It shows that what is needed for successful agrarian reform is a combination of sustained, forceful leadership from a disciplined, reform-oriented political party and grassroots agitation by peasant organizations.

Using empirical case materials from the Philippines and referring to rich experiences from different countries historically, this book offers conceptual and practical conclusions that have far-reaching implications for land reform throughout the world. Examining land reform theory and practice, this book argues that conventional practices have excluded a significant portion of land-based production and distribution relationships, while they have inadvertently included land transfers that do not constitute real redistributive reform. By direct implication, this book is a critique of both mainstream market led agrarian reform and conventional state-led land reform. It offers an alternative perspective on how to move forward in theory and practice and opens new paths in land policy research.

Perspectives from the household level; Agrarian reform in two villages; Implications for the Philippine agrarian reform program.