Synopses & Reviews
Experts believe that Brazil, the worldand#8217;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.
and#160;
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 2014and#160;soccer World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil has been rocked by mass protest. This insightful volume considers the nationand#8217;s still abundant problemsand#151;an inefficient state, widespread corruption, dysfunctional politics, and violent crime in its citiesand#151;alongside its achievements to provide a fully rounded portrait of a vibrant country about to take a commanding position on the world stage.
Review
and#8220;A knowledgeable overview of [a] vast, vibrant country . . . a thorough study deeply informed by on-the-ground reporting.and#8221;and#8212;Kirkus Reviews
Review
and#8216;Until now, there has been no concise English-language history of Brazil and#8211; vastness has perhaps overwhelmed previous attempts. Michael Reidand#8217;s Brazil fills the gap with a valuable study likely to remain a well-thumbed reference for years. . .His clear, deeply researched account reaches back 500 years to identify three broad themes that continue to shape Braziland#8217;s development.and#8217;and#8212;John Paul Rathbone, The Financial Times
Review
and#8216;Perfectly timed for the World Cup, Reidand#8217;s book is highly readable and scholarly. His subtle analysis is captured in a subtitle that makes clear that Brazil is both an emerging world power and a nation with deep-seated problems rooted in its colonial past, slavery and official paternalism.and#8217;and#8212;Gideon Rachman, The Financial Times
Review
and#8216;Reid, a Latin Americanist of many years, opened the Economistand#8217;s office in Brazil, in the mid 1990s, and knows the country intimately. His book should become the standard serious introduction to Brazil for anyone needing a concise history combined with a clear analysis of contemporary politics. Having read all the rest, I can say this is the best: elegantly written, concise and incisive.and#8217;and#8212;Misha Glenny, The Irish Times
Review
andldquo;A rich, detailed account of Brazilandrsquo;s tug-of-war between hope and disappointmentandrdquo;andmdash;Marcos Troyjo, Americas Quarterly
Review
andldquo;This compelling account of the countryandrsquo;s history . . . represents the most thoughtful and balanced recent assessment of Brazilandrsquo;s enormous triumphs and crushing failures, and of what lies ahead.andrdquo;andmdash;Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs
Review
andlsquo;The book is an excellent introduction to the country, published at an opportune time, given the recent election in Brazil, and the deeply contrasting visions of the future at stake.andrsquo;andmdash;David Gallagher, TLS.andnbsp;
Synopsis
A knowledgeable appreciation of a complex, vital South American giant, destined to be one of the worldand#8217;s premier economic powers
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 The Economistandrsquo;s Latin American columnist. He lived in Brazil from 1996 to 1999 and has been a frequent visitor since.