Portugal and the West: From British Ultimatum to Utopian Revolt, 1890-1975: Social Volatility, National Assertion, and Nervous Collapse

This book examines Portugal’s complex role during a transformative period in Western history, from 1890 to 1975, when ideological conflicts and geopolitical realignments reshaped the global order. Tracing Portugal’s trajectory from a peripheral nation to a briefly autonomous actor, it reveals how the country, under António de Oliveira Salazar’s conservative leadership, asserted its sovereignty and Euro-African identity amid the competing ambitions of major powers.

Key Highlights of Portugal's Strategic Maneuvers:

• NATO Membership: Portugal emerged as a founding member of NATO in 1949, showcasing its strategic importance.
• Resistance to Post-National Trends: The country defied the post-national movements that redefined the West in the 1960s.
• 1974 Coup and Aftermath: The coup ended the authoritarian regime, led to a chaotic withdrawal from Africa, and significantly diminished Portugal’s international influence.

Portugal was the first European country that the United States sought to dominate once it acquired great power status. Under the cool-handed autocrat Dr. Salazar, Portugal repulsed attempts by presidents like FD Roosevelt and Kennedy to exert influence, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic skill.

The 350-page work highlights how Portugal handled anti-imperialist and often deeply naive America with more skill than successive British Prime Ministers. Despite its bid to remain a Euro-African power being ultimately foiled by post-national trends, a patriotic spirit among ordinary citizens helped thwart a Marxist takeover in 1975. This spirit remains easy to detect to this day.

A Nuanced Perspective

Grounded in historical and geopolitical scholarship, Portugal and the West offers a nuanced perspective on a small nation’s navigation of a fractious global landscape. It sheds light on the interplay of national interest, ideological currents, and transnational forces, making it essential reading for:

• Historians
• Political scientists
• Those interested in the dynamics of Portugal and The West in the 20th century

Praise for the Book:

"The most readable and best-informed study available of Portugal's place in the world during the twentieth century, particularly helpful in weaving together the country's domestic and international history."
— Professor Stanley Payne, University of Wisconsin, author of numerous books on the modern history of Spain, Portugal, and 20th century Europe.