The Brazilian sub-imperialist strategy of regional insertion

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Brazilian strategy of regional insertion with the support of the Marxist Theory of Dependency (MTD), represented by the work of Ruy Mauro Marini because it allows for the consideration of relations of power within the national scenario and policies resulting from class alliances embedded in the domestic structure of dependency.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the main positions concerning the Varieties of Capitalism approach, arguing that the MTD and specifically Marini’s work can contribute to overcoming some of its limits. These arguments are illustrated through the analysis of the Brazilian strategy of regional competitive insertion focusing on the IIRSA project and the Brazilian Multinational Companies directly involved.

Findings

The concept of sub-imperialism has helped to understand the logic behind the Brazilian strategy of regional insertion as part of a historical trajectory that includes the re-edition of a political drive for being the regional leader; the privilege of class fractions benefiting from the access to public funds and new markets (necessary to guarantee their continued and increased profitability); the reinforcement of regional inequalities and, at the same time, the reproduction of Brazilian dependency.

Originality/value

A renewed MTD can contribute to understanding the specific politico-economic strategies of peripheral countries. It can also overcome the limits of the Varieties of Capitalism approach by articulating the economic and political dimensions; by avoiding the structural – functionalist constrains of the institutional perspective; and by allowing the consideration of marginalized voices, rather than considering only the institutionalized ones.

Citation

Ceci Misoczky, M. and Imasato, T. (2014), "The Brazilian sub-imperialist strategy of regional insertion", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 274-290. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-04-2014-0024