In the second section of the semester, we studied Brazil’s foreign policy during the 20th century. We analyzed how cultural, political, and economic interests influenced Brazil’s decision-making processes and policies toward Portugal and various African nations. As we discussed in class, Brazil faced a significant political dilemma during this period: whether to support Portugal’s colonial project in Africa or the decolonization efforts of African nations. In Hotel Tropico: Brazil and the Challenge of African Decolonization 1950-1980, Davila argues that Brazil had to create and reconstruct its national identity to justify its foreign policy decisions towards Portugal and several African nations. Based on our class discussions, lectures, and the readings covered during the second section of the semester, for your second essay, you need to reflect on some of these processes. To this end, you must address the following questions: How did Freyre’s theory of lusotropicalism influence Brazil’s identity and justify its foreign policy towards Portugal and Africa? In your response, you must:
Explain Freyre’s theory of lusotropicalism and racial democracy and how these theories shaped Brazil’s identity and foreign policy. Remember that Brazil’s foreign policy changed over time.
Provide concrete references and examples from Davila’s book to explain (1) Brazil’s approach to Portugal’s colonial claims over Africa, both before and after the Portuguese Revolution, and (2) Brazil’s response to Angola’s struggle for independence.
Explain the main elements of Brazil’s marketing strategy towards Nigeria. In your response make sure to explain how Freyre’s ideas influenced Brazilian’s marketing strategy towards Nigeria.
Links 🔗 to readings, videos & lecture slides
Helpful quotes can be drawn from pages 190, 207, 204, 223, 221, 224, 225 of the book Hotel topico
Format reactions paper:
➢ Extension: Your answer should be about 1.500 words (about three pages)
➢ Paragraph: single-space.
➢ Font: 12-point, Times New Roman.
➢ Title: Your work must include a working title.
➢ Word count: Your work must include word count.
➢ Citation style: You must use the Chicago Manual of Style for all your assignments. If you are not sure how to quote or reference other’s scholarly work, there are hundreds of resources online
you can check.
