Eli Benovitz

Europe and Liberal Democracy

History EN ↓ 3 episodes

Europe and Liberal Democracy is a podcast that explores how Europe became the world biggest center of democracy in the post 1945 world. In our first season we look at the first time that the European Union and related organizations were able to bring and stabilize democracy, with Portugal's Carnation Revolution in 1974 and its aftermath.

Author

Eli Benovitz

Episodes

Portugal and the Carnation Revolution Part 3 29.05.2026 5:38

In this episode, the final one of our first season, I discuss democratic consolidation in Portugal between 1975 and 1976. Additionally, I talk about the defeat of the Communist Party. I finish up with a discussion of how Europe today is changed by the extraordinary involvement of the EEC in keeping Portugal democratic and how that remains important today. Bibliography: Constitute Project. "Portuga...

Portugal and the Carnation Revolution Part 2 29.05.2026 5:33

In this episode, I begin by discussing the Carnation Revolution itself. Next, I discuss the political dysfunction that comes after the coup. Additionally, I talk about the issue of the colonies for the new Portuguese government, whose main goal was to end colonial wars. Through all of this I mention the huge influence Europe had on Portugal throughout this whole experience. Bibliography: Giniger,...

Portugal and the Carnation Revolution Part 1 29.05.2026 5:49

In this episode, I set the stage for the beginning of the Carnation Revolution. I bring 3 main causes: Diplomatic Repression in Portugal under Salazar with the PIDE War in the Colonies Financial Pressure from the European Economic Community I then talk about the leadup to the coup itself Bibliography: Fishman, Robert M. "What 25 April Was and Why It Mattered." Portuguese Studies 34, no. 1 (2018):...