Twentieth Century Studies

The Social Legacy of the Holy Prophet Simon Toko

Janísio Salomao

The legacy of the Holy Prophet Simão Toko transcends the religious sphere, consolidating itself as a socio-cultural phenomenon of great impact in Angola. This study aims to analyse Simão Toko's contributions to culture, education and social justice. The research, which is qualitative and exploratory in nature, is based on a bibliographical review and documentary analysis, examining primary and secondary sources on the leader's trajectory and the dissemination of his ideas. The perpetuation of Tocoist values is discussed, with an emphasis on their influence on collective identity, the promotion of literacy and the creation of structured civic practices. The results indicate that the Tocoista movement was a fundamental agent in the resistance to colonialism and in the formation of Angolan national consciousness. In addition, the re-signification of Simão Toko's legacy in the contemporary context is emphasised, demonstrating its relevance to education and social cohesion. It is concluded that the study of Tocoism is essential for understanding the interactions between spirituality and social development in Angola. As well as contributing to the academic literature on the role of religious movements in the construction of African identity, the research suggests new approaches to the study of spiritual leaders as agents of social transformation.

Revolution and Dyschrony

António Pedro Pita — 2024-12-28

This is an outline, a proposal, an essay for thinking about the 25th of April, according to three topics: the first focuses on the categories of ‘revolution’ and ‘transition’ as specific ways of enunciating political change; the second emphasises the importance of the notion of time inherent in the categories of ‘revolution’ and ‘transition’; the third questions the hypothesis that the 25th of April could constitute a conceptual laboratory in which it is possible to experiment politically and theoretically with structural mutations in the logic of political transformation. The use of the concept of dyschrony allows us to avoid an ideological simplification based on the Enlightenment and the translation of a naive immersion in the spirit of the Revolution. It is a question of thinking literally and in all senses about the untimeliness of 25 April.

Introductory Note

Clara Isabel Serrano — 2024-12-28

The 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, celebrated throughout 2024, gives us a perfect opportunity to look back on the Portuguese recent past and also to discuss the future of the Portuguese democracy. The Carnation Revolution put an end to nearly five decades of dictatorship in Portugal, establishing fundamental freedoms and democracy while opening a new political, economic, social, and cultural era for the country. Commemoration of this milestone highlights the importance of the new values gained, such as freedom of expression, equality, social justice, and human rights. Another key aspect of the 50th-anniversary celebration is recognizing the impact of April 25th on Portugal’s international projection. The revolution put an end to the colonial wars, set in motion the processes of independence among the Portuguese-speaking African countries, and, within a little over a decade, led to Portugal’s integration into the then-European Economic Community, reinforcing the country’s role globally.

A Primazia da Financeirização e o Apagamento dos Direitos Sociais

Daniele Ramos Venezia

Na segunda metade do Século XX ocorre uma reconfiguração política e económica. Há uma mudança do capitalismo produtivo para o financeiro. O Estado substitui a função garantista pela atuação regulatória. Os direitos sociais deixam de ser materializados. Este cenário é analisado através de um giro pelos principais marcos da história económica, que explicam a consolidação do capitalismo financeiro. Articula a atuação do Estado de assegurar as bases do capitalismo financeiro a transmutação dos direitos sociais em espaços para o capitalismo financeirizado. Por fim, o estudo compreende que os serviços essenciais financeirizados resultam em um acirramento da desigualdade social.

It is a Fascist Empire. Some points of discussion on the nature of the Italy’s colonialism during the Fascist period

Giuseppe Finaldi — 2024-12-28

On May 9, 1936, in one of his most celebrated speeches delivered from the balcony of Rome’s Palazzo Venezia, Mussolini announced to Italy and the world that the nation ‘finally had its empire.’ Italian troops had entered Addis Ababa a few days earlier; Haile Selassie, the Ethiopian king of kings, had fled into exile. The Duce’s words were broadcast across the country and throngs gathered in all of Italy’s piazzas where loudspeakers - sixteen had been set up in Milan’s Piazza Duomo for example[i] – blared out Mussolini’s speech in real time. In the following days newspapers and newsreels ad infinitum repeated what came to be called the declaration of the ‘foundation of the empire’. Vittorio Emanuele, previously merely Italy’s king, was by law now also to be referred to as ‘emperor’. According to historian Renzo De Felice, the blacksmith’s son and former socialist, at the height of his popularity, refused Vittorio Emanuele’s offer to be made a prince, informing the monarch that the Mussolinis came from a long line of peasants, something he was proud of.