Diplomatic capacity and foreign policy changes under Bolsonaro: Elements of a paradox

Abstract

This article discusses Brazilian diplomatic capacities and their influence on foreign policy during Bolsonaro's administration. Academics and practitioners once recognized the Brazilian diplomatic service for its high skills, regardless of the foreign policy guidelines in force. In fact, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs used to stand out for its professionalism, bringing together all the conditions the literature points out as the main characteristics of the concept of bureaucratic quality—those necessary to implement foreign policy objectives. Meanwhile, the literature notes that state capacities might increase or decrease over time. Likewise, governments might seek different foreign policy objectives; to achieve them, they rely on their current capacities, seek to create new ones, or both. Based on the literature on state capacities, policy feedback, and the role of the international environment, this article analyzes Jair Bolsonaro government's attempts to dismantle Brazilian diplomatic capacities to achieve its foreign policy goals.