Ideological and conjunctural aspects of Luiz Inácio da Silva's foreign policy (2003-2010): ruptures and continuities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's foreign policy (2003-2010) through the concept of paradigmatic approach. We understand that Brazilian foreign policy, throughout its republican history, has remained constant concerning its primary goals: the development of the country and the search for political autonomy on the international scene. However, the strategies implemented to achieve these objectives varied according to the ideology of governments and the international situation, which often provoked paradigm changes. In the case of Lula da Silva's foreign policy, we consider that some ideological aspects of his government influenced his planning and final decision-making, in such a way that they helped to overcome conjunctural obstacles actives in the period. To support our analysis, we used as sources the presidential and ministerial speeches delivered during Lula's government and the administrations that preceded it, especially that of Fernando Henrique Cardoso.