| |
| author |
Luiza Vaskys Lima
| | title |
From Reluctance to Leadership: Brazil's Evolving Diplomatic Behavior in International Climate Conferences 1972-2025
| | abstract |
Brazil's engagement in climate-related intergovernmental conferences has deepened over
time, though it has faced turbulence in the past decade. The dominant explanations for this trend
revolve around Brazil's democratization following the military dictatorship (1964–1985), the
country's long-term economic development path, and the pursuit of soft power through a
climate-friendly national identity. Previous research has focused on one of these factors in
isolation rather than comparatively analyzing their relative influence. This thesis employs a
mixed-methods approach to text analysis, examining diplomatic statements from the United
Nations and UNFCCC digital archives qualitatively and quantitatively to identify the primary
driver of changes in Brazil's diplomatic behavior between the variables mentioned above. While
these factors are not mutually exclusive, findings suggest that the strength of Brazilian
democracy has been a key determinant of its participation in climate conferences and
commitment to their outcomes. In contrast, periods of democratic decline have coincided with
setbacks in climate engagement and increased climate skepticism.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2025)
|
| advisor |
Timothy Carter
|
| full text | LVaskysLima.pdf |
| |
