Understanding Contemporary Brazil

Description

Brazil has famously been called a country of contradictions. It is a place where narratives of "racial democracy" exist in the face of stark inequalities, and where the natural environment is celebrated as a point of national pride, but at the same time is exploited at alarming rates. To people on the outside looking in, these contradictions seem hard to explain. Understanding Contemporary Brazil tackles these problems head-on, providing the perfect critical introduction to Brazil's ongoing social, political, economic, and cultural complexities. Key topics include: • National identity and political structure. • Economic development, environmental contexts, and social policy. • Urban issues and public security. • Debates over culture, race, gender, and spirituality. • Social inequality, protest, and social movements. • Foreign diplomacy and international engagement. By considering more broadly the historical, political economic, and socio-cultural roots of Brazil’s internal dynamics, this interdisciplinary book equips readers with the contextual understanding and critical insight necessary to explore this fascinating country. Written by renowned authors at one of the world's most important centers for the study of Brazil, Understanding Contemporary Brazil is ideal for university students and researchers, yet also accessible to any reader looking to learn more about one of the world's largest and most significant countries. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of figures List of tables Acknowledgments 1. Introduction Aims of the book and frames of analysis Key themes Outline of chapters A final note on sources and readings Note References 2. National identity and nation building Tall and tan and young and lovely . . . The colonial legacy From empire to the Republic of the United States of Brazil A dictator, a democratic regime, and a military coup Authoritarianism and resistance Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 3. Political structure and government Introduction The political system The late development of a national state A strong democracy? The Carwash corruption investigation Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 4. Economic development and social policy Introduction Developmentalism Liberalism Post-developmentalism The consensus of 1995–2010 The expansion of social programs The recession of 2015–2016: challenges in fiscal and social policy Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 5. Race and ethnicity in Brazil Introduction Ethnic and racial mixture in Brazil Challenging pseudo-scientific racism: the advances and silences of “racial democracy” Activism, public policies, and debates over race and ethnicity in Brazil Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 6. Urban Brazil today Considering Brazilian cities Growth and urban infrastructure Informality and segregation Public security in Brazilian cities Brazilian cities in the twenty-first century Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 7. Social movements and protest in Brazil Introduction Roots: Brazil’s legacy of resistance (1500–1930) Mobilization: political opportunities and resource mobilization (1930–1985) Democracy: the rise of Brazil’s ‘new’ social movements (1985–2013) The twenty-first century: social movements going forward (2013 onward) Conclusion Suggested English readings References 8. Environmental contexts and challenges Introduction Colonization, exploitation, and globalization ‘Valuing’ the landscape Socio-environmentalism, democracy, and twenty-first century legislation Brazil: environment of the future? Notes Suggested English readings References 9. Culture and spirituality Introduction Origins and geographic differences Forms of cultural expression Brazilian spirituality Religion’s place in twenty-first-century Brazil Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 10. Foreign policy and international diplomacy Introduction Brazil’s diplomatic tradition and experience Foreign policy under Cardoso and Lula Brazilian foreign policy going forward Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References 11. Soccer in Brazil Introduction The origins of futebol The Seleção The modern game Conclusion Notes Suggested English readings References Afterword Index