Romulo Betancourt

Available here for the first time in English, Romulo Betancourt has been a Spanish-language classic in Venezuela since its publication in 2013. This book is an extended essay on a transformational figure in the country's history from an internationally-renowned public intellectual, German Carrera Damas. In this work, Carrera Damas captures a significant transition for the nation that began in the 1940s when Romulo Betancourt and his colleagues overthrew the ruling military dictatorship and established a modern democratic regime. However, the system Betancourt created eventually deteriorated after his presidency. Carrera Damas not only delves into the evolving political thought of a leader who remained dedicated to his cause throughout a varied career, but also offers insights on what it takes to create and sustain a democratic republic under difficult circumstances. As the country s current economic and political crisis intensifies, this book will help English speakers understand the cultural context of Venezuela s contemporary moment as well as set a historical precedent for the next stages in the development of its position in the world. Funding provided by the Kislak Family Foundation, Inc.