Synopses & Reviews
Latin America has often been condemned to failure. Neither poor enough to evoke Africaand#8217;s moral crusade, nor as explosively booming as India and China, it has largely been overlooked by the West. Yet this vast continent, home to half a billion people, the worldand#8217;s largest reserves of arable land, and 8.5 percent of global oil, is busily transforming its political and economic landscape.
and#160;
This book argues that rather than failing the test, Latin Americaand#8217;s efforts to build fairer and more prosperous societies make it one of the worldand#8217;s most vigorous laboratories for capitalist democracy. In many countriesand#151;including Brazil, Chile and Mexicoand#151;democratic leaders are laying the foundations for faster economic growth and more inclusive politics, as well as tackling deep-rooted problems of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. They face a new challenge from Hugo Chand#225;vezand#8217;s oil-fuelled populism, and much is at stake. Failure will increase the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants to the United States and Europe, jeopardize stability in a region rich in oil and other strategic commodities, and threaten some of the world's most majestic natural environments.
and#160;
Drawing on Michael Reidand#8217;s many years of reporting from inside Latin Americaand#8217;s cities, presidential palaces, and shantytowns, the book provides a vivid, immediate, and informed account of a dynamic continent and its struggle to compete in a globalized world.
and#160;
and#160;
Review
"[A] comprehensive and erudite assessment of the region. . . . While the social and economic face of Latin America is becoming more attractive, political life remains ugly and, in some countries, is getting even uglier."and#8212;Moisand#233;s Naim, Washington Post
Review
"No one who seriously aspires to discuss Latin American politics, economics and culture should go without reading Forgotten Continent."and#8212;Jorge Castaneda and Patricio Navia, National Interest
Review
"Reid's account is essential reading for its clear portrayal of what can be called a postand#8212;'Washington consensus' view of Latin America."and#8212;Steven Volk, The Journal of American History
Review
"Reid's book offers something valuable to both specialists and the general reading public. . . . He writes of Latin America with great empathy, intelligence, and insight."and#8212;James Brennan, Hispanic American Historical Review
Review
"[An] intelligent and thoughtful overview. . . . Reid offers a serious and well-written synthesis of Latin America's political economy that is meticulously supported by a wealth of data and the work of the best scholars studying the region."and#8212;Donald Share, The Americas
Synopsis
A knowledgeable appreciation of a complex, vital South American giant, destined to be one of the world s premier economic powers
Experts believe that Brazil, the world s fifth largest country and its seventh largest economy, will be one of the most important global powers by the year 2030. Yet far more attention has been paid to the other rising behemoths Russia, India, and China. Often ignored and underappreciated, Brazil, according to renowned, award-winning journalist Michael Reid, has finally begun to live up to its potential, but faces important challenges before it becomes a nation of substantial global significance.
After decades of military rule, the fourth most populous democracy enjoyed effective reformist leadership that tamed inflation, opened the country up to trade, and addressed poverty and other social issues, enabling Brazil to become more of an essential participant in global affairs. But as it prepares to host the 2014soccer World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil has been rocked by mass protest. This insightful volume considers the nation s still abundant problems an inefficient state, widespread corruption, dysfunctional politics, and violent crime in its cities alongside its achievements to provide a fully rounded portrait of a vibrant country about to take a commanding position on the world stage."
About the Author
Michael Reid is editor of the Americas section of the Economist. Previously based in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, he has traveled throughout Latin America and reported for the BBC, the Guardian, and the Economist since 1982.