The outlook for Dilma Rousseff’s first term of office: an essentially economic argument

• Main Author: Renato G. Flôres Jr.
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) 2012-04-01
• Series: Revista CIDOB d'Afers Internacionals
• Subjects: Brazil; Dilma Rousseff; economy; government
• Online Access: http://www.cidob.org/en/publicaciones/articulos/revista_cidob_d_afers_internacionals/97_98/perspectivas_para_el_primer_mandato_de_dilma_rousseff_un_argumento_basicamente_economico

This article examines the main factors influencing Dilma Rousseff’s government in Brazil and offers a general outlook for the next four years. Particular emphasis is placed on the economic aspects, as these are and will continue to be the main problem for the country, and one of the key issues restricting the government’s actions. To explore this argument, the article begins with a general overview of the main characteristics of Brazilian capitalism. Thereafter, the author focuses on the political determining factors, as well as the multiple configurations and various possible developments and scenarios that should also be borne in mind. The article deals both with the domestic and external factors, leading into the core of the article where the author suggests two possible outcomes of the interaction between all the above-mentioned forces. Although the analysis of the two alternatives is not conclusive, it presents a summary of the dilemma faced by Dilma Rousseff, which she must resolve in the country’s interest.