(Re)Thinking Latin American Dependency: Atlas Network and partner institutes in Bolsonaro’s Government

Abstract:

This study seeks to understand the role of Brazilian liberal institutes that are partners of the U.S.-based Atlas Network in the diffusion of ideas within the Brazilian government. The study is based on a neo-Gramscian theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of hegemony and of the maintenance of dependency through the production of consent. More specifically, it aims to comprehend how the relationship between Atlas, Brazilian liberal institutes, and economic leaders is organized within Jair Bolsonaro’s government. To do so, we collected primary data that were condensed in graphics and images in NodeXL and Excel. We find that Atlas operates as tool for maintaining U.S. hegemony in Brazil through political-pedagogical practices that promote the institutionalization of the neoliberal project.

Keywords:
Atlas Network; hegemony; liberal institutes; Jair Bolsonaro; dependency