Mistaking Brazil as a middle power
Date
2013-02
Authors
Burges, Sean
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
This paper argues that Brazil can only be classified as a middle power by engaging in what Sartori criticized as the process of conceptual stretching. Moreover, it is argued that Brazil neither sees itself as a middle power, nor conducts itself as one despite superficial appearances. After the context is set with a survey of thinking on middle power theory, attention is turned to explaining how Brazil might be mistaken for a middle power before explaining in more detail why the country is not one. Evidence is drawn from Brazil's multilateral engagement in institutions such as the WTO, the inter-American system, the NPT, and the wider context of global development. Ultimately the paper advises policy-makers and academics against using the concept of middle power as a conceptual guide or shortcut to understanding Brazil.
Description
Keywords
Brazil, Itamaraty, middle power, emerging power, international relations, South\-South
Citation
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Source
Journal of Iberian and Latin American Research 19.2 (2013): 286-302
Type
Journal article
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Embargo: 2015-08