LEGACIES AND CHALLENGES OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING IN BRAZIL AND THE UNITED STATES.

The twentieth century witnessed spatial transformations in Brazil and in the United States. The late ingress of Brazil in capitalism determined the pattern of economic growth, distribution of wealth and the shape of regions and cities. The United States privileged position in postwar economy contributed to increase investments and add millions of consumers in domestic market. However, they have some common elements: both experienced industrial decentralization which changed the subnational economic balance; both have adopted urbanization patterns that reinforced social inequalities and both are using similar strategies to face the post-1970`s economic changes. Today, the urban and regional policy have been driven by guidelines that highlight elements such entrepreneurship, good governance as well a friendly land regulation to stimulate economic growth. But, the transplant of practices among countries do not consider its institutional features, political balances or living conditions. In a world supposedly without differences equality was replaced by efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]