Political Economy of the Carnation Revolution (1974–75)

Following the military coup of April 25th, 1974, Portugal experienced a revolutionary period characterized by unprecedented levels labor unrest and political radicalization. As social landscape suffered profound transformation, key-sectors economy were nationalized, many firms went into self-management, large areas south swept land occupation. When country’s democratic Constitution was brought to vote on 2, 1976, it contained numerous references “socialism,” “self-management,” “planning,” “agrarian reform,” bearing witness widespread commitment build “classless society.” What eventually took shape, however, mixed under parliamentary regime, very similar that countries like Greece Spain, both which far less dramatic transitions. Drawing writings Immanuel Wallerstein, Giovanni Arrighi, Boaventura de Sousa Santos, this article analyzes plans strategies devised ensure socialist transition in semiperiphery capitalist world-system during 1970s.