RESTORING GOVERNANCE - HAS BRAZIL GOT IT RIGHT (AT LAST)

The article aims to link recent changes in Brazil's political and econ omic situation with the question of governance in a democratic setting . It shows that a set of policies are only as good as the political su pport which enables their implementation. As memories of the economic nightmare of the past decade fade and the Costs of sustaining price st ability through needed budget cuts continue to be felt, popular dissat isfaction with reform is bound to increase. The Cardoso Administration 's incremental strategy of state reform and its step-by-step approach to crucial human rights issues reflect the conflicting pressures the g overnment must balance in order to make policy advances. As democratiz ation increases the autonomous representation of societal interests an d the structure of Brazilian politics continues to erect legislative o bstacles, incrementalism seems the most appropriate pace for producing real, long-lasting reform.