The Emergence of Brazil to the Global Stage: Ascending and Falling in the International Order of Competition

Discourses about Brazil's emergence as a global actor at the beginning of the twenty-first century reinforce particular temporal and spatial formations that enable the perpetuation of international hierarchies. The book explores alternative forms of thinking, doing, and being that are not limited to the competition among states for geopolitical status.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
At the turn of the twenty-first century, Brazil emerged as a global actor, garnering increased authority and recognition on the international stage. This phenomenon was celebrated as a triumph, with Brazil being portrayed as a leader of developing countries, poised to achieve its long-awaited future as a global player. However, this celebratory narrative masked a deeper truth: discourses about Brazil's emergence reinforced specific temporal and spatial formations that perpetuated international hierarchies.
The Reinforcement of Hierarchies:
While the concept of emergence was portrayed as a means of gaining more authority for Brazil, it also perpetuated a spatiotemporal structure that favored certain societies and individuals at the expense of others. The success or failure of Brazil's global aspirations hinged on its ability to perform its predetermined role as a newly relevant or emergent global player. Power and empowerment were conceptualized in a way that limited any form of escape from the temporal and spatial confines of a world order marked by geopolitical and geoeconomic competition.
Conceptualization of Power and Empowerment:
In this hierarchical world, power was seen as a zero-sum game, where one society's gain was necessarily at the expense of another. Empowerment, on the other hand, was narrowly defined as the ability to influence the global order, rather than as a broader process of social and economic transformation. This conceptualization of power and empowerment inhibited any form of resistance or alternative forms of thinking, doing, and being that could challenge the existing order.
Alternative Forms of Thinking, Doing, and Being:
The book seeks to explore alternative forms of thinking, doing, and being that are not limited to the competition among states for geopolitical status in the international system. It encourages a broader understanding of power and empowerment that encompasses social, economic, and cultural dimensions. By challenging the dominant narratives and discourses, the book aims to contribute to the development of a more equitable and sustainable global order.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume argues that while the phenomenon of emergence was celebrated as the conquest of more authority for Brazil on the global stage, discourses about Brazil as an actor who was finally arriving at its promised future as a global player were also perpetuating a spatiotemporal structure that continues to reward some societies and individuals at the expense of many others. The book provides an initial step towards an exploration of alternative forms of thinking, doing, and being that are not limited to the competition among states for geopolitical status in the international system. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of critical international relations, international politics, and Latin American studies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032339221