The present thesis investigates the interplay of media narratives and political transitions in Brazil by focusing on the specific press coverage of the Amazon’s conservation and indigenous security...Show moreThe present thesis investigates the interplay of media narratives and political transitions in Brazil by focusing on the specific press coverage of the Amazon’s conservation and indigenous security throughout Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva’s terms. The research examines whether the change in presidency influenced the press’ narratives on these critical issues. The study analyzed a variety of articles from Folha de S. Paulo, O Globo and R7 – three of Brazil’s most read outlets – using Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings showcase a significant shift in the discourses used by both Folha and O Globo associated to the change in President. During Bolsonaro’s presidency, both Folha and O Globo portrayed the politician as undermining the rule of law and democracy, drawing on authoritarian discourses, and strongly criticizing policies detrimental to the Amazon and indigenous communities. Since Lula’s re-election, both news outlets changed their discourses, considerably more positive. Despite this, the three news outlets remain critical and skeptical of the new president’s ability to uphold his promises, and maintain their watchdog reporting role. The research underscores the influential role of media in shaping discourses and shed lights on the evolving journalistic practices responding to political change. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to studies of the relation between the politics and the press in Brazil by illustrating the press’ ability to mitigate their narratives adapting to political transitions.Show less
Ever since their elections in 2003 and 2006 respectively, Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva and Michelle Bachelet have been dominant figures within their national politics and have also been influential...Show moreEver since their elections in 2003 and 2006 respectively, Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva and Michelle Bachelet have been dominant figures within their national politics and have also been influential at a regional level. Their individual dominance can be viewed through the wider phenomenon of increasingly personalised leadership throughout the world. Politics is viewed and covered through the lens of individual politicians, instead of political parties. Headlines are dominated by Trump and May, not by the Republicans or the Conservatives respectively. Furthermore, populism has also been a key aspect in modern politics, especially in Latin America where the rise of leftist-populist governments, often called the “Pink Tide”, has dramatically reshaped regional politics (Remmer 2012, 949). Similar populist movements have only come to the US and Europe far more recently. This essay will analyse the wider context of the left in Latin America, both Lula and Bachelet individually, their respective political parties, and populism as a theory. This will be done through a critical literature review and comparative analysis. The aim is to answer the question, to what extent have individual leaders replaced political parties as the dominant force within politics.Show less
The intention of this thesis is to contribute to a broader understanding of what economic development means for inequality and poverty levels in Brazil. This thesis will focus on the period 2003...Show moreThe intention of this thesis is to contribute to a broader understanding of what economic development means for inequality and poverty levels in Brazil. This thesis will focus on the period 2003-2011, in which Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva was president. There are several reasons for choosing this timeframe. Lula was inaugurated right after Brazil was named one of the most important emerging economies, demonstrating the growing potential and role the Brazilian economy began to play worldwide. Furthermore, it has been mentioned that Lula’s presidency was unlike any other. He is said to have been truly dedicated to advancing economic growth, while also aiming for social change and reducing inequality levels. Can the three phenomena mentioned in the nexus be combined and tackled simultaneously? Consequently, by focusing on the Lula era (2011-2013) this thesis will attempt to answer the following research question; to what extent can economic growth go hand in hand with a reduction in poverty and inequality? Is this trinity possible?Show less
