Evolution of Territorial Organization in Brazil and France

Abstract

Territorial organization was a central theme in much of the work of Professor
Bertha K. Becker and stimulated debate concerning change in the contemporary world. This text is based on numerous conversations with her about regionalization, decentralization and the territorial role of the State which permitted a better understanding of Stateregional dynamics. Here we are concerned with the relationship which Brazilian and French societies maintain with their respective territories and comparative perspective is used to trace the evolution of territorial organizations and types of governance in each of these two countries. The objective is to show how democratization and decentralization accompany the accommodation of territories and societies to their current phase of development as well as how the specific culture of each country influences the way that regionalization occurs and/or encounters obstacles.