Product Description

This vividly written book is the first comprehensive assessment of the origins of the present-day democratic regime in Portugal to be placed in a broad international historical context. It is written with the benefit of a long-term vision of Portuguese history, and it emphasizes the significance of Portugal’s new European orientation after centuries of global and oceanic preoccupations. After an account of the collapse of the old regime in 1974, the book studies the complex revolutionary period that followed, and the struggle in Europe and Africa to define the future role of Europe’s poorest country. These events also had international repercussions which transformed the balance of forces in southern Africa, following the collapse of Europe’s last overseas empire. The consequent actions and reactions of the European powers and the United States are examined, and telling comparisons are also drawn with later developments in Eastern Europe, and with the wider collapse of the communist movement.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #471057 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 268 pages

Review
‘… the first analysis of the Portuguese Revolution in its international context … a fundamental book for all who are interested in transitions to democracy … Kenneth Maxwell’s book is indispensable reading.’ João Carlos Espada, Publico

Customer Reviews

much needed
A lucid analysis - as far as one is possible - of the many variants that collided in April,25 1974 and of the powers behind some of them that kept battling on until a democratic regime emerged, firstly with the elections of 1975 and 1976 and the (since then much revised) constitution of 1976. Otherwise: a summary of how Portugal quit Empire and embraced Europe.

Remarkable
Book on Portuguese politics in English, contemporary or otherwise, is not a readily available material. This book is rare in that sense. It also provides many insights in understanding Portuguese politics today. Well written. Good read.