Abstract

In the last two decades Portuguese historiography has made substantial advances regarding a more structured knowledge about Salazar and his régime - the Estado Novo dictatorship. Special attention has been paid to Salazar's economic policy and to the diplomatic relations with Franco's Spain. There is also an ongoing (and interesting) debate about the ideological nature of Salazarismo. However Portuguese historiography has neglected some fundamental aspects: State organization, political élites, election processes, colonial policy, and even Salazar's biography.