Seminars and Symposia

 

Brazil's Interface with the Global Crisis, 2008-2009

 

David Fleischer

Professor of Political Science, University of Brasilia

Discussant:

Ken Erickson

Professor of Political Science, Hunter College, CUNY

WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 4:00PM

WHERE: The Graduate Center, The Science Center, Room 4102

365 Fifth Avenue (@ 34th Street)

 

In late 2008, when the effects of the Global Economic Crisis began to appear in Brazil, President Lula said "If this impacts Brazil, it will be just a ripple." After the large number of jobs lost in November, December and January, plus the very negative GDP result (a -3.6% retraction) in the fourth quarter of 2008 -- the discourse is now somewhat different -- awaiting the results for Brazil's GDP in the first quarter 2009 Recent polls show that as Brazil's economy retracts, Lula's approval ratings have declined.

What does this mean to the 2010 presidential succession in Brazil?  As Lula's approval ratings drop, his election "coattails" become shorter, regarding his in pectore candidate, Dilma Rousseff.  In addition, PT candidates for governor and senator might have considerable difficulties in 2010. 

Brazil is articulating policy alternatives in the G-20 with the US and France that would: 1) strengthen the regulation and oversight of national banking systems, 2) enhance the voting quotas of emerging nations in the IMF, and 3) attempt to "jump start" the Doha Round negotiations at the WTO.

About the Speaker:

David Fleischer holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Florida (1972). He worked in rural extension in Minas Gerais (1962-64) as a Peace Corps Volunteer and returned to the UFMG as a visiting professor (1969-71). Fleischer joined the faculty of the University of Brasília in 1972, where he was Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (1985-1989) and member of the University Council (1985-1993). He has held visiting posts at the University of Florida, SUNY-Albany and George Washington University, and has done research and consulting on Legislative Development and Election Systems in Latin America and Africa. Fleischer has published widely on Brazilian politics (Congress, elections, parties and transparency) and North-South Relations. He is also active in political risk analysis and has published the Brazil Focus -Weekly Report since mid-1996.

 

Space is limited. PLEASE RESERVE by sending email to
bildner@gc.cuny.edu

 

 

Please find Prof. David Fleischer's PowerPoint Presentation from his  7 May 2009 talk:
PowerPoint Presentation (ppt)
Word Text Document (text.doc)

Event Pictures

Professor David Fleischer

Professor David Fleischer presenting

 

Audience

 

Prof. Fleischer (left) and Moderator Prof. Ken Erickson (right) fielding questions

 

Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner in the Q&A segment

 

Professor Ken Erickson

 

Audience questions