• List of tables and figures; Preface; Glossary of abbreviations and Portuguese terms; 1. Introduction: traditional politics, new authoritarianism; 2. Oligarchical power and traditional politics in Minas Gerais; 3. The modern political economy of traditional politics; 4. Bureaucratic authoritarianism and the state elite; 5. Back to patronage: state clientelism in Minas Gerais; 6. Authoritarian politics and traditional elites; 7. The traditional political elite and the transition to democracy; 8. Continuity in change: Brazilian authoritarianism and democratization in comparative perspective; Appendix: the Minas elite; References; Index.

'Why has Brazil's return to civilian rule been marked by unrepresentative politics and poorly performing governments? Hagopian's path-breaking research demonstrates that the persistence of the power and influential style of politics of traditional elites is a key explanation. She sheds light on the modern political economy of traditional elites and the contemporary implications of rampant patronage politics. She explains as well how clientelism riddled the military dictatorship (1964–85) and thus limited its own impact on Brazil. Hagopian's book helps us understand the political dilemmas of both authoritarian and democratic politics in Brazil in novel ways.' Jorge I. Domínguez, Harvard University