The Third World as an actor in international relations in the work of Celso Furtado (1964-1996)

Abstract

Celso Monteiro Furtado was one of Brazil's leading economists, and his contribution to the theory and policy of economic development marked Latin American economic thought. After the military coup of 1964, Furtado's career as a public official was interrupted, and the author had to go into exile, first in Chile, then in the United States and, finally, in France. Initially seeking to distance himself from discussions on the situation of the country, Furtado turned to the analysis of international relations and produced a wide-ranging work on the subject, although it was not as prominent as his formulations on economic theory and economic development. The aim of this research project is to analyse Furtado's interpretations of the role played by Third World countries in international relations. A methodology composed of three parts is proposed: a broad bibliographical review of the period mentioned; documentary research and the realisation of interviews with theorists of international relations and international economy who had some contact with Celso Furtado.