Tomas Mandl - Modern Paraguay

My first thanks go to Sandip Mehta and Angie Mizeur, who in the early stages of doubt and second-guessing the whole book-writing enterprise provided the cheerleading I needed to take the plunge. Elizabeth Knox gave me early guidance on how to write a book; her timely and frank advice, based on her own experience as an author, set me straight right from the beginning.

I am grateful to Christopher Saenger, who volunteered to read the books proposal and its early drafts. His masterful editing set the bar high, lighting a path forward for the remainder of the book.

I count my blessings for having met Alfonso Velzquez at the time when I was doing the books early research in Asuncin. Alfonsos encyclopedic knowledge of Paraguayan history, its politics, and culture, which he selflessly shared with me over many conversations, was a crucial stepping stone for the book. Furthermore, Alfonsos deep Rolodex, together with his extensive list of family members and acquaintances, allowed me to meet many of the individuals who contributed their knowledge to this book. Alfonso also found time to read draft chapters and share his thoughts. And that is not all; some of the pictures he took in his many travels appear in this book as well. Aguyj cheraa.

Many thanks to historian Milda Rivarola, who opened the doors of her house and hosted mea perfect strangerfor two days to learn about Paraguayan history. The history chapters structure and themes stem largely from those two days with Milda.

I owe a debt of gratitude to the following individuals, who shared their time with me and whose deep knowledge of Paraguay greatly enhanced the books material: Diego Abente, Sebastin Acha, Alberto Acosta Garbarino, Victor Ral Bentez Gonzlez, Georg Birbaumer, Alfredo Boccia Paz, Martn Burt, Eduardo Bogado Tabacman, Dionisio Borda, Pilar Callizo, Jos Cantero, Santi Carneri, Miguel Carter, Javier Contreras, Emily Creigh, Liliana Duarte-Recalde, Hugo Estigarribia, Wilfrido Fernndez, Benjamn Fernndez Bogado, Camilo Filrtiga, Marcello Lachi, Magui Lpez, Fernando Masi, Henry Moriya, Alfred Neufeld, Andrew Nickson, Javier Prez, Adelina Pusineri, Jos Toms Snchez, Leila Rachid, Kate Raftery, and Estela Ruz Daz. I was fortunate to meet and spend time with the great Bartomeu Meli, the countrys foremost expert on the Guaran people, before he passed away in December 6, 2019.

Id like to thank Marcus Carpenter and Daniel Getahun, who read early chapters and provided me with the first quality test; their comments and edits made the book better. I also benefited from many conversations with them about issues relevant to the book. Many thanks to Professor Michael Pisani, who in spite of having met me only once for 30 minutes, agreed to read chapters and provided me with valuable insights. I also thank Kathleen Weaver for providing helpful comments and edits to the introduction.

Thanks to the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and the Centro de Anlisis y Difusin de la Economa Paraguaya (CADEP) for their high-quality and timely reports. Without them the books overall quality and breadth of issues analyzed would have been much limited. The public events they organized to analyze key public policies further helped me produce a better book.

I am also grateful for Luke Gerwes copy editing and editorial advice. Luke polished the book and brought a keen eye to organize the books structure and articulate its internal logic.

Charles Perdue at McFarland gave me hope in 2017 and delivered in 2020; this book is out in great measure thanks to him.

Many thanks to the newspaper ltima Hora and photographer Oscar Rivet for granting me the right to publish their pictures. Muchas gracias.

A big thank you goes to the many Paraguayans I met and interacted with, including my Guaran teachers Catalina, Joty, and Mariela, embassy colleagues, and soccer buddies, who taught me with much kindness about their country.

Tyler Cowen and Russell Roberts are two economists that I have never met but who have had significant influence in my education. Their writings and podcasts shaped the way I understand and try to make sense of issues related to the social sciences. Just as importantly, their agnostic demeanor, intellectual curiosity, and respect for the views of those who disagree with them are an inspiration. In addition, Tyler not only replied to my emails about the book but was enormously kind to read the book proposal; he encouraged me to finish it with his classic no-nonsense advice, Writing is its own reward.

I am forever grateful to my parents Teresa and Alfredo, who gifted me with the love of books.

Needless to say, the books omissions and mistakes are all my own; none of those acknowledged here bear any responsibility for them.

My greatest debt of gratitude goes to my wife Laura. I cannot imagine writing this book without her. She is the reason I came to Paraguay in the first place, but she also encouraged me through our time in the country to finish the book (just get it done Toms). She was my lead editor, proofreader, and reality checker. She was always there when I needed her through the many times I was typing away and missed being with her and our children. For all of the above and more, I dedicate the book to her.