A grande estratégia brasileira no Governo Geisel

Abstract

This monograph critically examines, in the light of the specialized literature, whether there was the elaboration of a Grand Strategy during the Geisel administration (1974- 1979) and its impacts on Brazilian national power. In so doing, this work initially reviews and discusses the most up-to-date references on the subject, defining the concept ́s understanding to be applied to the historical period under scrutiny. Then, based on the theory of neoclassical realism, it analyzes Geisel administration's economic policy, foreign policy and defense policy (dependent variable). This academic exercise takes into account the dynamics of the international system (independent variable), as well as the Brazilian geopolitical tradition and authoritarian-modernizing coalition’s perception, interests and objectives (intervening variable). This work corroborates the existence of a Grand Strategy, which was expressed in the coordination of the three aforementioned policies. They mainly aimed at fostering economic development, which was regarded as the key requirement for Brazil's ascension to the condition of a great power. This monograph concludes that that project yielded ambiguous results regarding the strengthening of national power. On the one hand, it consolidated the country's industrial base and provided the desired nuclear technology. On the other hand, it created economic vulnerabilities whose serious consequences were felt in the 1980s.