Comparing the Power of Mexico and Brazil

Kristina Pavchenko

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Mexico and Brazil are the two powers, who enjoy significant influence and contribute not only on regional level, but to a certain extent on the global level as well. Having this common feature, the two centers of power differ dramatically in many aspects, starting from geopolitics, relation towards the super power and finishing with identity perception. The main aim of the research is to compare Mexico and Brazil during 2000 -- 2012, which will allow not only predicting possible developments inside the states, but as well to establish the impact these processes will have on the Latin American region. This goal will be achieved through several steps. The first one is dedicated to the theoretical framework of the research, wherein the theory of international relations will be chosen and elaborated on. The second one is theoretical as well where the concept of power division will be presented and the important characteristics to be compared will be drawn for it. Finally, the research will proceed to the case study of the foreign policies of Mexico and Brazil. Analyzing the present state of affairs will allow to test whether chosen theory is capable to explain the relations, as well as to draw expectations for future development.

Abstract:

Mexico and Brazil are the two powers, who enjoy significant influence and contribute not only on the regional level, but to a certain extent on the global level as well. Having this common feature, the two centers of power differ dramatically in many aspects, starting from geopolitics, relation towards the super power and finishing with identity perception. The main aim of the research is to compare Mexico and Brazil during 2000 -- 2012, which will allow not only predicting possible developments inside the states, but as well to establish the impact these processes will have on the Latin American region. This goal will be achieved through several steps. The first one is dedicated to the theoretical framework of the research, wherein the theory of international relations will be chosen and elaborated on. The second one is theoretical as well where the concept of power division will be presented and the important characteristics to be compared will be drawn for it. Finally, the research will proceed to the case study of the foreign policies of Mexico and Brazil. Analyzing the present state of affairs will allow to test whether chosen theory is capable to explain the relations, as well as to draw expectations for future development.

Keywords

Brazil, Mexico, regional powers

Keywords

regional powers, Brazil, Mexico

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 7. 2012

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 11. 6. 2013
• Supervisor: Nicolas Maslowski
• Reader: Jan Němec

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies