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Editorial
The wide range of interests that concern the Unisa Centre for Latin American
Studies is once again emphasized in this issue of Unisa Latin American
Report. The four main articles deal with the fields of law, anthropology,
comparative politics and human rights.
Each article contributes a valuable insight into some aspect of a variety of the aspects
of work which engages UCLAS in its research, publications and consultations.
For foreigners seeking to do business in Brazil, Noronha's article gives useful
background material on the cultural-legal differences reflected in Brazil's history. It
indicates the need for business to become aware of more than simply economic
opportunity when committing itself to foreign countries.
Koch, bringing home the value of what one is inclined to regard as `primitive'
medical practices in a society in which modern medicinal practitioners are too few
and medicine too costly, emphasizes that there are lessons to be learned in other
countries in similar situations of scarcity, poverty or great distances from urban
centres.
In a well-researched paper comparing the phenomenon of state failure in Colombia
and Angola, Broekman offers valuable insights into the inherited perception by
leaders of the state as a source for personal gain to be exploited as an explanation of
why states in Africa and South America have not easily developed into modern
western states after gaining independence.
The article by Funari explains that the constraints placed upon academic freedom in
Brazil by the traditional hierarchical social structure of the country, including the
influence of twenty-one years of dictatorship, have not been lifted by democratization
since 1985. Read with Broekman's article, this article also offers the potential for
the better understanding of the nature of the state not only in South America, but
also in Africa.
`To understand is to forgive' ± or perhaps that old adage can be taken too far.
Nevertheless, while the knowledge in the latter articles may be a source of
despondency for those living though early periods of post-colonialism, there is also
room for hope. Read with Crane Brinton's and Charles Tilly's views on the courses of
revolution, the articles give this editor hope that the knowledge they offer provides a
reason for believing in the future for all countries experiencing the problems
described.
Other important issues addressed in this edition are the historic first South American
summit, and the `YanomamoÈ scandal' that is currently convulsing the world of
anthropology.
Good wishes to all for the Christmas season and also for 2001 and after.
Editor
ISSN 0256±6060±Unisa Lat. Am. Rep. 16(2) 2000 3