Short description:

Brazil is a place where narratives of "racial democracy" exist in the face of stark inequalities, where politics swinsg dramatically right to left, and where the natural environment is celebrated and exploited at alarming rates. The book is ideal for students and researchers, as well as any readers looking to learn more about Brazil. 

Long description:

Brazil has famously been called a country of contradictions. A place where narratives of "racial democracy" exist in the face of stark inequalities, where politics can swing dramatically between the right and left, 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. In this significant new edition, the authors reflect on the rise of right-wing populism during the Bolsonaro era, as well as expanded coverage of increasing violence against Indigenous groups, deforestation, gender equality, public security, political polarization, the growth of evangelical Christianity, and the role of social media. All of this further enriches the book's existing strengths in discussions of national identity, urban issues, social movements, economic development, politics and government. Throughout the book, "suggested English readings", extensive bibliographies, maps, and figures serve to help to guide the reader's learning. 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.

Authoritative and engaging, Understanding Contemporary Brazil is ideal for university students and researchers, yet also accessible to general readers looking to learn more about one of the world's largest and most significant countries.

Praise for the new edition:

This updated and revised edition brings an insightful overview of the key themes and topics of contemporary Brazil up to date. The new edition includes analysis of the roots and likely persistence of Bolsonarismo as a political phenomenon, setting this in the context of broader challenges to the stability of democratic governance. No other volume offers this range of coverage of key transformations and trends in politics, religion, culture and civil society. The emphasis is on clear analysis, presented in a way that will be accessible for all those interested in contemporary Brazil.

Professor Bryan McCann, Department of History and President of the Brazilian Studies Association (2016?2018), Georgetown University,

Understanding Contemporary Brazil is a collection of concise chapters covering the key topics essential to understanding the country. It offers an overview of Brazil´s complex history and contemporary society, examining pressing issues such as inequality, gender, race, and the environment. The book explores the evolution and setbacks of the democratic institutions in Brazil, highlighting the growing relevance of religion, social media and far-right in politics. Drawing on cutting-edge scholarship, Understanding Contemporary Brazil is organized into analytical, stand-alone chapters. Written in an accessible style by two experienced scholars, it provides an insightful analysis of Brazil?s key social, political, and cultural features, as well as its contemporary challenges, offering fresh perspectives for students and researchers alike.

Prof Angela Alonso, Professor of Sociology, University of S?o Paulo.

Revised, expanded and updated to take account of the Bolsonaro presidency (2019-22) and Bolsonarismo, the second edition of this book, first published in 2019, remains an excellent introduction to Brazil´s government and politics, economy, society, culture, environment and international relations. The authors demonstrate a keen awareness of the influence of Brazil´s unique history on contemporary Brazil and their analysis of contemporary issues is firmly based on the scholarly debates about Brazil among social scientists, not least Brazilian social scientists.

Professor Emeritus Leslie Bethell, former Director of the Centre for Brazilian Studies, University of Oxford (1997-2007), and editor of the 12 volume Cambridge History of Latin America.

Both historically grounded and up-to-date, this second edition of Understanding Contemporary Brazil covers a wide array of topics?from Brazil?s notorious inequality to its insurgent social movements; from its pay-to-play multiparty coalition system to recent anti-corruption campaigns; from the authoritarian inclinations of its governing elite to the democratizing triumphs of civil society; from its chronic domestic unrest to its conduct in global affairs. This updated second edition accounts for the rise and fall of right-wing populist Jair Bolsonaro as well as the persistence of Bolsonarismo as a political movement bolstered by the reelection of Trump in the US and the ascendency of authoritarian populism around the world.

Prof Christopher Dunn, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese and Africana Studies, Tulane University,

Contemporary Brazilian politics has been difficult to track, but in this book, the authors do all the work of selecting key events from the 20th and 21st centuries to explain how Brazil has arrived at its current state. They embrace the need to look back to colonial times, grounding today?s problems in their historical roots. This is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the fast-paced politics and society of Brazil.

Dr Andreza Aruska de Souza Santos, Senior Lecturer of Brazilian and Latin American Studies, King?s Brazil Institute, King?s College London.

Table of Contents:

1: Introduction  2: National identity and nation building  3: Political structure and government  4: Economic development and social policy  5: Foreign policy and international diplomacy  6: Race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity  7: Social movements and gender equality  8: Cities and public security  9: Environmental contexts and challenges  10: Religion and the growth of evangelical Christianity  11: Bolsonarismo in Brazil: Origins, impacts, and future