Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: The new Brazil -- The historical background : colony, empire, and republic -- The making of modern Brazil, 1930-64 -- The 1964 revolution : from bureaucratic authoritarianism to Abertura -- The incomplete transition, 1985-94 -- The Cardoso Era, 1995-2002 -- Lula's Brazil -- Brazil's emergence on the global stage -- Conclusion: Brazil emergent

"Recounts Brazil's evolution from remote Portuguese colony, through economic crises that led to more prudent monetary policies, and to its new status as a regional leader, a respected ambassador for the developing world, and an increasingly important partner for the United States and European Union"--Provided by publisher.