Description
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 2014 soccer 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 Economist's Latin American columnist. He lived in Brazil from 1996 to 1999 and has been a frequent visitor since.
Reviews
"A knowledgeable overview of [a] vast, vibrant country . . . a thorough study deeply informed by on-the-ground reporting."-Kirkus Reviews * Kirkus Reviews *
'Until now, there has been no concise English-language history of Brazil - vastness has perhaps overwhelmed previous attempts. Michael Reid'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 Brazil's development.'-John Paul Rathbone, The Financial Times -- Michael Reid * Financial Times *
'Perfectly timed for the World Cup, Reid'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.'-Gideon Rachman, The Financial Times -- Gideon Rachman * The Financial Times *
"A rich, detailed account of Brazil's tug-of-war between hope and disappointment"-Marcos Troyjo, Americas Quarterly -- Marcos Troyjo * Americas Quarterly *
"This compelling account of the country's history . . . represents the most thoughtful and balanced recent assessment of Brazil's enormous triumphs and crushing failures, and of what lies ahead."-Peter Hakim, Foreign Affairs -- Peter Hakim * Foreign Affairs *
Book Information
ISBN 9780300216974
Author Michael Reid
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 408g
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 2014 soccer 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 Economist's Latin American columnist. He lived in Brazil from 1996 to 1999 and has been a frequent visitor since.
Reviews
"A knowledgeable overview of [a] vast, vibrant country . . . a thorough study deeply informed by on-the-ground reporting."-Kirkus Reviews * Kirkus Reviews *
'Until now, there has been no concise English-language history of Brazil - vastness has perhaps overwhelmed previous attempts. Michael Reid'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 Brazil's development.'-John Paul Rathbone, The Financial Times -- Michael Reid * Financial Times *
'Perfectly timed for the World Cup, Reid'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.'-Gideon Rachman, The Financial Times -- Gideon Rachman * The Financial Times *
"A rich, detailed account of Brazil's tug-of-war between hope and disappointment"-Marcos Troyjo, Americas Quarterly -- Marcos Troyjo * Americas Quarterly *
"This compelling account of the country's history . . . represents the most thoughtful and balanced recent assessment of Brazil's enormous triumphs and crushing failures, and of what lies ahead."-Peter Hakim, Foreign Affairs -- Peter Hakim * Foreign Affairs *
Book Information
ISBN 9780300216974
Author Michael Reid
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 408g
