Brazilian Authoritarianism: Past and Present

Brazil's long history of racism and authoritarian politics has led to the country's present crises and epidemic of violence. In Brazilian Authoritarianism, esteemed anthropologist and historian Lilia Schwarcz presents a provocative and panoramic overview of Brazilian culture and history to demonstrate how the nation has always been staunchly authoritarian, papered over centuries of racially motivated cruelty and exploitation. She delves into eight elements that pervade Brazil's problematic culture: racism, bossism, patrimonialism, corruption, inequality, violence, gender issues, and intolerance. However, Schwarcz argues that Brazil's future is not absolutely hopeless, as history is not destiny and the nation has the potential to overcome its worst crises.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Brazil's Long History of Racism and Authoritarian Politics: The Roots of Present Crises and Epidemic of Violence

Brazil has long nurtured a cherished national myth, one of a tolerant, peaceful, and racially harmonious society. A closer look at the nation's heritage, however, reveals a far more troubling story. In "Brazilian Authoritarianism," esteemed anthropologist and historian Lilia Schwarcz presents a provocative and panoramic overview of Brazilian culture and history to demonstrate how the nation has always been staunchly authoritarian. It has papered over centuries of racially motivated cruelty and exploitation—sources of the structural oppression experienced today by its Black and Indigenous population. Linking the country's violent past to its dire present, Schwarcz shows why the social democratic left was defeated and how Jair Bolsonaro ascended to the presidency.

Schwarcz's Journey Through Five Hundred Years of Colonial History
Schwarcz travels through five hundred years of colonial history to consider Brazil's allegiance to slavery, which made it the last country to abolish the system. She delves into eight elements that pervade Brazil's problematic culture: racism, bossism, patrimonialism, corruption, inequality, violence, gender issues, and intolerance. But Schwarcz also argues that Brazil's future is not absolutely hopeless. History is not destiny, and even as the nation experiences its worst crises ever—social, political, moral, and environmental—it has the potential to overcome them.

A Stark, Revealing Investigation into Brazil's Difficult Roots
"Brazilian Authoritarianism" shines a light on how the country might imagine a more hopeful path forward. It is a stark, revealing investigation into Brazil's difficult roots, shedding light on the forces that have shaped the nation's history and present challenges. By examining the historical roots of Brazil's authoritarianism, Schwarcz provides a valuable framework for understanding the country's current crises and the urgent need for transformative change.

In conclusion, "Brazilian Authoritarianism" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Brazil's history, culture, and politics. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to confront the nation's difficult past and imagine a more hopeful future. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Schwarcz offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of Brazil and its place in the world.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 151 x 223 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691210919