Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina: A Critique of Market and State Utopias

Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina examines why successive waves of structural reforms have ended in disappointment, focusing on the parameters of the public debate about "development" itself. Antunes de Oliveira presents a comprehensive theoretical and empirical critique of the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles and applies insights from dependency theory to craft an alternative political economy framework for the analysis of development challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2024
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Successive waves of structural reforms in South America's two largest countries, Brazil and Argentina, have consistently failed to deliver on their promises of development. F. Antunes de Oliveira's book, Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina, explores the reasons behind this failure. Instead of focusing on policy failures, the book examines the parameters of the public debate about "development" itself. Antunes de Oliveira argues that an unfruitful dispute between neoliberalism and neodevelopmentalism has dominated Brazilian and Argentine political economy debates, to the detriment of both countries. The book presents a comprehensive theoretical and empirical critique of the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles in Brazil and Argentina and applies insights from dependency theory to craft an alternative political economy framework for the analysis of development challenges.

The book begins by examining the historical context of structural reforms in Brazil and Argentina. It highlights the role of the state in promoting economic growth and development and the impact of external factors such as globalization and neoliberalism on these countries. Antunes de Oliveira argues that the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles have been characterized by a focus on market-oriented policies, privatization, and deregulation, which have led to increased inequality, poverty, and social exclusion.

One of the key arguments of the book is that the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles have been driven by a desire to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the elite. Antunes de Oliveira argues that this has led to a lack of political will to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality, such as land reform, social security, and education. Instead, the focus has been on implementing policies that benefit the wealthy and corporations, while leaving the poor and marginalized behind.

The book also examines the impact of structural reforms on the environment. It highlights the negative effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change on the health and well-being of the population. Antunes de Oliveira argues that the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles have been responsible for the degradation of the environment and the loss of biodiversity.

To address these challenges, the book proposes an alternative political economy framework for the analysis of development challenges. Antunes de Oliveira argues that this framework should be based on the principles of social justice, equity, and sustainability. He suggests that this framework should include policies that promote economic growth and development while also addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality.

One of the key policies proposed by the book is land reform. Antunes de Oliveira argues that land reform is essential for reducing inequality and poverty. He suggests that the state should implement policies that redistribute land to the poor and marginalized, and that these policies should be accompanied by measures to improve access to education, healthcare, and social security.

The book also proposes policies to address the negative effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Antunes de Oliveira suggests that the state should implement policies that promote sustainable development, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. He also suggests that the state should implement policies that protect the environment and promote biodiversity.

In addition to these policies, the book also proposes policies to address the social and cultural dimensions of development. Antunes de Oliveira argues that development should not be limited to economic growth and development, but should also include policies that promote social inclusion and cultural diversity. He suggests that the state should implement policies that promote social cohesion and reduce social exclusion.

The book also provides a critical analysis of the role of the state in promoting development. Antunes de Oliveira argues that the state has a critical role to play in promoting development, but that it has often been undermined by neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist policies. He suggests that the state should be more active in promoting development, and that it should be more accountable to the public.

The book also provides a critical analysis of the role of international organizations in promoting development. Antunes de Oliveira argues that international organizations have often been undermined by neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist policies, and that they have been unable to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. He suggests that international organizations should be more accountable to the public and that they should be more focused on promoting social justice and equity.

In conclusion, Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina is a comprehensive and insightful book that examines the reasons behind the failure of successive waves of structural reforms in South America's two largest countries. The book argues that the neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist structural reform cycles have been driven by a desire to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the elite, and that this has led to a lack of political will to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. The book proposes an alternative political economy framework for the analysis of development challenges that is based on the principles of social justice, equity, and sustainability. The book provides a critical analysis of the role of the state and international organizations in promoting development, and suggests that these organizations should be more accountable to the public and more focused on promoting social justice and equity.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822948100