Portugal is a country that has sometimes been dismissed as small and relatively insignificant. The book "Portugal in European and World History" proves that the opposite is true, showing that Portugal has been crucial for the development of Europe and the modern world. Covering many centuries, from the early Muslim times to the Atlantic Empire, the Alliance with the English from 1650 to 1900, the African colonies and the country's liberal revolution in 1974, Malyn Newitt offers a fresh assessment of Portuguese history and its role in the world.

The author examines episodes where Portugal was a key player or innovator, linking its history to a broader context. Chapters focus on themes such as Muslim Portugal, describing the cultural impact of contact with Muslims, the discovery of Brazil and the opening of trade with West Africa, as well as Vasco da Gama's explorations and the evolution of Portugal as the first commercial empire of the modern era. Newitt also examines Portugal's role in the Counter-Reformation, the Spanish wars in Europe, and the Anglo-Portuguese alliance.

The Portuguese diaspora is also considered: migration occurred systematically from the 15th century but reached massive proportions between 1820 and 1980. The author shows how migration is linked to backwardness, imperialism, and globalization, and how the Portuguese experience compares with that of other major diasporas. Finally, Portugal's position in Africa is assessed, the Salazar/Caetano regime from 1928 to 1974 is examined, and the fall of fascism and Portugal's decolonization are explored in the light of global empires and movements.

A new narration of a country with a rich history, which has played a central role in the development and expansion of the modern world, "Portugal in European and World History" shows how Portugal has transformed from the last colonial power into one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the modern European ideal.