Publisher's Synopsis
Brazil, occupying nearly 50 percent of the South American continent, has the largest economy and is a major political power in Latin America. It is rapidly increasing its involvement in world affairs. In the fourth edition of his successful text, Roett examines the basics beneath the patrimonial society that exemplifies Brazil's economic and political system. By exploring the concept of elite rule, the maintenance of a state bureaucracy at the service of the elites, and the persistence of the gap between the standards of living of the richest and poorest Brazilians, Roett provides a framework with which the consistent and surprisingly predictable development of Brazil can be examined.
In this updated and expanded edition, Roett analyzes the history of Brazil's development as a nation and provides a thorough introduction to the dynamics shaping Brazilian politics, economics, and society. Roett devotes special attention to the difficult transition from military to civilian government in the 1980s, and the social agenda for Brazilian leaders in the 1990s. This text is an essential tool for all students of Brazil and Latin American as well as for foreign policy professionals.
