Why I Continue to Be a Monarchist – A Necessary Letter | Review

The book “Why I Continue Being a Monarchist” by Joaquim Nabuco is a work that explores the author's personal and historical reasons for maintaining his monarchist position in a republican context. Published in 1913, the book, which was originally published as a letter to Diário do Comércio, presents arguments based on tradition, political stability and the characteristics of the monarchical system that Brazil experienced before the military coup of 1889.

Joaquim Nabuco, one of my favorite writers, was a Brazilian liberal, politician and diplomat, who with this book uses his vast experience and historical knowledge to defend monarchy as a form of government more suited to Brazil and the South American continent. He analyzes the transition from Empire to Republic in the country and criticizes the problems that arose after this change, such as political instability, corruption and the lack of continuity and leadership.

Image: Matheus Araújo, 2023

The author also addresses that the parliamentary monarchy could only have “the military dictatorship would be a revolutionary successor, when its legitimate evolutionary successor was civil democracy; for thinking that the republic in Brazil would be the pseudo-republic that it is throughout Latin America.” and the author goes on to state that “the republic could not function as a free government, and that, from the day it was proclaimed, the confidence, which it took us so many years to acquire under the monarchy, that our freedom within the law was intangible, would disappear.”

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Joaquim Nabuco argues that the monarchy, with a hereditary head of state, can provide a more balanced leadership, disconnected from partisan interests and with a greater commitment to the well-being of the nation.

Image: Matheus Araújo, 2023

Throughout the book, Nabuco makes a critical analysis of the Brazilian Republic, highlighting its flaws and contradictions, while presenting the benefits and legitimacy of the monarchical system. Although written more than a century ago, “Why I Continue to Be a Monarchist” remains a relevant read for those interested in the debate between monarchy and republic, providing a thoughtful and well-researched perspective.

Monarchist with no hope of monarchy, what is it for? It helps not to be a republican without hope of freedom. – Joaquim Nabuco

TITLE: WHY I CONTINUE TO BE A MONARCHIST

AUTHOR: JOAQUIM NABUCO

PUBLISHER: PATRIS EDITORA

YEAR: 2022

PAGES: 40