The Politics of Military Rule in Brazil

The Politics of Military Rule in Brazil examines the period from 1964-85 when Brazil was under military dictatorship. This comprehensive study tracks the rise of the military regime, its consolidation of power, and the eventual transition back to civilian rule. Thomas Skidmore analyzes the political, economic and social dynamics that shaped two decades of military governance in Latin America's largest nation. The book draws on extensive research and primary sources to document the decisions, policies and internal conflicts of successive military governments. The narrative covers major events including the 1964 coup, economic reforms, political repression, and the gradual process of democratization. The roles of key figures in the military, opposition movements, and civilian society are examined within their historical context. Through this focused study of Brazil's military period, Skidmore explores broader themes about authoritarianism, economic development, and the complex relationship between armed forces and civil society in Latin America. The work provides insights into how military regimes function and eventually cede power.

Academic readers praise this book's documentation and research depth into Brazil's military governments from 1964-85. Multiple reviewers note its value as a reference text for understanding Brazilian political transitions. Readers liked: - Detailed economic policy analysis - Clear explanations of military factions and internal conflicts - Comprehensive coverage of opposition movements - Incorporation of Brazilian sources and documents Common criticisms: - Dense writing style that can be difficult to follow - Heavy focus on political elites rather than social movements - Limited coverage of human rights violations - Could use more context on pre-1964 period Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (32 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (8 ratings) Several academic reviewers on JSTOR describe it as thorough but note it works better as a reference than a narrative history. Multiple Portuguese-language reviews praise its balanced treatment of controversial periods. A Latin American Studies reviewer called it "the most complete English-language account" while noting its "occasionally dry academic prose."

Brazil: Five Centuries of Change by Thomas Skidmore This comprehensive history of Brazil's political development examines the nation's transformation from colony to regional power through the lens of institutional change and social movements.

The Military and Politics in Modern Brazil by Alfred Stepan The book analyzes the Brazilian military's evolving role in governance from 1945-1988, focusing on civil-military relations and institutional development.

Authoritarian Brazil by Robert Wesson and David V. Fleischer Through examination of economic policies, political structures, and social changes, this work presents the mechanisms of military control in Brazil from 1964-1985.

The Last Colony: An Experience with Democracy in Brazil by Lawrence Weschler The account chronicles Brazil's transition from military dictatorship to democracy through documentation of key political events and institutional reforms.

State and Society in Brazil by John D. French This analysis traces the relationships between labor movements, political institutions, and military governance in Brazil's twentieth-century development.

🔹 Thomas Skidmore became fluent in Portuguese by teaching himself the language while recovering from tuberculosis during his time at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. 🔹 The book covers Brazil's longest period of military rule (1964-1985), during which five different generals served as president through an indirect election system. 🔹 Despite being one of the most comprehensive works on Brazil's military regime, Skidmore wrote much of the book while events were still unfolding, interviewing key political figures and military personnel in real-time. 🔹 The "Brazilian Economic Miracle" described in the book saw GDP growth rates of up to 11% per year between 1968 and 1973, though this growth came at the cost of increased income inequality and foreign debt. 🔹 Skidmore's research revealed that unlike other Latin American military dictatorships of the era, Brazil's military regime maintained a facade of democracy by allowing a controlled opposition party and preserving some constitutional procedures.