Examining the experience of Latin American countries moving from authoritarianism to liberalization, the author focuses on organized right-wing groups that take armed, often violent action to destabilize emerging democratic governments. She demonstrates how these movements gain power.

Payne conducted extensive interviews with members of these movements and with members of the civilian government itself, dramatically illustrating her case studies with the words of participants. She concludes with an extensive comparative analysis in order to show that uncivil movements are not unique to Latin America: they are a common feature of the transition and consolidation process of new democratic regimes. By examining three Latin American countries, Payne suggests ways in which new democracies throughout the world can lessen, if not neutralize, the influence of uncivil movements.