The Political Economy of Lula’s Brazil describes the social, political and economic transformations that led to increased interest in the tropical giant at the start of the 21st century. This volume demonstrates that Brazil’s rise was the result of the adoption of heterodox economic policies, while also highlighting the obstacles to choosing an egalitarian development path in Latin America. Adopting an innovative perspective in terms of methodology and interpretation, contributors from Brazil, Latin America and France follow a non-dogmatic critical approach in order to explain the institutional changes that made a new cycle of development possible in Brazil. The authors also argue that the evolution of Brazil, following the implementation of leftist policies, paradoxically gave birth to several economic, political and environmental contradictions. They contend that these contradictions, including the falling rate of profit linked to the full employment of resources; the redistributive process seen as a menace by the conservative middle classes; and the growing intervention of the state in the different markets, eventually led to the end of the early 21st century development cycle. Providing clues to understanding the contradictory and painful path towards the development of semi-industrialised countries, this book will interest students and academics in the fields of economics, sociology, history and political science. The story it tells may also interest all those searching for independent analysis of the successes and failures of Lula’s Brazil.

The early 21st Century saw a boom in Brazil's economy. Commodities had a large part to play, including bananas, sugar and soybeans, but also processed food, gasoline and medium sized airplanes. This book argues it is the adoption of leftist economic policies and changes made by Lula's government which are key to explaining recent Brazilian growth.

This book offers the first multidisciplinary analysis of the impact of the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Workers' Party on Brazilian economy and society, as he begins his second four-year term.

This book assesses the performance of the first Lula government (2002-06) from different perspectives including economics, politics, history and social policy. While the focus is on Brazil, it also refers to the experiences of similar countries both for comparative purposes and for evidence of the success or otherwise of this 'new' era for Brazil.

While scholars, activists and pundits from around the world have heralded the Lula years as a breakthrough for poverty reduction and the forthcoming emergence of Brazil as a dynamic economic superpower, many of their counterparts in the country as well as a number of Brazilianists elsewhere, have expressed great disappointment. Tracing back the trajectory of Brazilian Workers’ Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores - PT), Hernán F. Gómez Bruera explores how holding national executive public office contributed decisively to a pragmatic shift away from the party’s radical redistributive and participatory platform, earning the approbation of international audiences and criticisms of domestic progressives. He explains why a unique party, which originally promoted a radical progressive agenda of socio-economic redistribution and participatory democracy, eventually adopted an orthodox economic policy, formed legislative alliances with conservative parties, altered its relationship with social movements and relegated the participatory agenda to de sidelines. Touching on multiple dimensions, from economic policy and land reform to social policy, this book offers a distinct explanation as to why progressive parties of mass-based origin shift to the center over time and alter their relationships with their allies in civil society. Written in a clear and accessible style and featuring an enormous wealth of firsthand accounts from party leaders at all levels and within different factions, Gómez Bruera offers much needed new insights into why progressive parties alter their discourses and strategies when they occupy executive public office.

Discover the amazing life of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the flamboyant politician who rose from humble beginnings to become Brazil's 35th president. This gripping book tells the story of Lula's perseverance, fortitude, and unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of the working class. Lula's undying dedication to improving the lot of regular Brazilians, which stems from his employment as a metalworker, may have contributed to his ascent to political prominence. Discover the highs and lows of Lula's political career, his effect on the Brazilian economy, and his lasting legacy as you turn the pages. Relive the exhilarating intensity of his presidential campaigns, when his charismatic speeches and ability to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds captivated the country. Think about the difficulties he encountered-such as economic downturns and corruption scandals-and how he overcame them. Beyond politics, though, this biography touches on a wide range of subjects. It's about the person concealed behind the famous person. Learn about Lula's hardships, his selfless giving, and his unwavering faith in his vision of a more equal and inclusive Brazil. Learn more about his upbringing, family, and the events that molded his morals and outlook on life. This biography presents a distinctive and personal portrayal of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva through painstaking study and interviews with those who knew him well. It enables readers to comprehend the guy who won over millions of hearts and fundamentally altered the course of Brazilian history, seeing behind the sensational headlines and political posturing. Get ready to be motivated by Lula's incredible tale of overcoming all obstacles. This book is recommended reading for anyone with an interest in politics, history, or just a compelling story of tenacity and resolve. Come on and GET your copy of this amazing adventure as we learn about the life and legacy of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a man who defied expectations and drastically altered the political landscape of Brazil."