Brazil and the United States : convergence and divergence / Joseph Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, Joseph, 1945-

Series:

United States and the Americas.

The United States and the Americas

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

International relations.

United States--Foreign relations--Brazil.

United States.

Brazil--Foreign relations--United States.

Brazil.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (256 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Athens : University of Georgia Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Although Brazil and the United States have long regarded each other sympathetically, relations between the two countries have been adversely affected by geographical distance, language barriers, and cultural indifference. In this comprehensive overview, Joseph Smith examines the history of Brazil-U.S. relations from the early nineteenth century to the present day. With the exception of commerce, notably the coffee trade, there was relatively little contact between the countries during the nineteenth century. A convergence of national interests took place during the first decade of the twentieth century and was exemplified in Brazil's strategy of "approximating" its foreign policy to that pursued by the United States. In return, Brazil expected economic gains and diplomatic support for its ambition to be the leading power in South America. But U.S. leaders were cautious and self-serving. Brazil was treated as a special ally, according to Smith, but only at times of major crisis such as the two world wars. As the twentieth century progressed, friction developed over programs of U.S. financial assistance and efforts to deal with the threat of communism. Recently there have been disagreements over Brazil's determination to take its rightful place as a global economic player and regional leader. Nonetheless history reveals that these two giant nations of the Western Hemisphere share national interests that they realize are best served by maintaining a friendly, cooperative relationship.

Contents:

The South American empire

From empire to republic

The new era

The republic under threat

The global crisis

The cold war

The rise and fall of military government.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786612795749

9781282795747

1282795740

9780820337333

0820337331

OCLC:

676700287