This original and enlightening exploration of economic and political development, by one of Latin America's most distinguished political scientists, was originally published in Brazil in 1962 and has now been translated into English by the author. Helio Jaguaribe offers first a theoretical discussion of the political requirements of economic development, emphasizing that sound government programs must be based upon a thorough understanding of a country's existing social and political structures. The author then provides a detailed, analytical study of the development process in Brazil from the colonial phase until today, and a comparison of the Brazilian experience with those of other Latin American countries.