This collection represents the best writings of a remarkable group of academics who, with the 25 April Revolution, were awakened to the study of contemporary Portugal. In partnership with the Commemorative Commission for the 50th anniversary of 25 April. "The articles in this collection, written for the International Conference Group on Portugal colloquium in Durham, New Hampshire, in June 1979, attempt to place the 25 April revolution and its aftermath in a perspective that combines an analysis of Portugal's internal historical and social conditions with that of the international events of the mid-1970s.

Taken as a whole, these essays demonstrate that understanding the social and political processes experienced by the country during the revolution must include an understanding of the Portuguese experience over the last century, the specificities of the international context, and in particular the developments that have taken place in Portugal's relations with both the rest of Europe and Africa since the early 60s.