In Brazil and Africa: The Historical and Cultural Connection, renowned Brazilian scholar José Honório Rodrigues presents a compelling analysis of Afro-Brazilian relations, tracing their historical roots and envisioning a transformative future for Brazil’s role on the global stage. This groundbreaking work offers a dual perspective: a rich historical narrative spanning from 1500 to 1960, and a forward-looking discussion on Brazil's evolving foreign policy. Rodrigues examines the profound cultural interplay between Africa and Brazil, emphasizing the enduring influence of African heritage on Brazil's identity and its potential to serve as a bridge between Western Europe and the emerging states of Africa.

In this incisive study, Rodrigues articulates a bold vision for Brazil’s international relations, advocating a departure from traditional alignments with Portugal, European imperialism, and hemispheric economic subservience. Instead, he calls for a reorientation toward the Global South and Africa, rooted in shared histories and cultural ties. Through meticulously documented theses and insightful analyses, the book challenges readers to reconsider Brazil’s place in the world. A vital resource for historians, policymakers, and scholars of international relations, Brazil and Africa is a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic interplay of culture, history, and geopolitics.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1965.