Description
Book SynopsisBrazilian Politics offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the contemporary politics of South Americas largest democracy. Accessibly written for students, the book traces the major trends in Brazils political development and analyses the main challenges facing the country today. Topics covered include the crisis of the state, economic and political causes of inequality and poverty, the failures of the electoral and party system, the widening array of social movements and non-governmental organizations, and the heightened role of Brazil in the areas of international trade, security and diplomacy.
Focusing on five key themes the strength of the state, representation, social equity, citizenship and political participation, and the role of the state in a global community of states Alfred Montero shows that Brazilian democracy has advanced greatly in recent years. However, this process is a complex one and, as the author cautions, Brazilian democracy still has a lon
Trade Review
"Alfred Montero has written a very timely and succinct analysis of Brazil's 'New Republic'. His firm grasp of the literature on contemporary Brazilian politics, both in English and Portguese, and his detailed knowledge of key events in the country are what one would hope for from such a survey."
William R. Nylen, Stetson University, DeLand
Table of ContentsList of Figures.
List of Tables.
Map of Brazil.
1. An Introduction to Brazilian Politics.
2. Historical Patterns in Brazilian Politics.
3. State-Building and State Reform as a Challenge to Democratic Politics.
4. Government by and for the Few: The Persistence of Oligarchical Politics in the Representative System.
5. The Dilemma of Democratization in an Economically Unequal Society.
6. The Emergence of a Democratic Civil Society as a Force for Change.
7. Forging an Identity in a Globalized World: Brazil in the International Political Economy.
8. The Lula Government: An Experiment in Social Democracy?.
References.
Index
