Visions of postmodernity and politics in Brazil

The exercise briefly describes observations of the sociopolitical realities of developed western countries made by authors whose common trait lies in their attempt to point out current trends which markedly distinguish today from yesterday. Such perceptions--cautiously labeled "visions of post-modernity"--are considered under three main categories: death of ideologies, new political praxis, and crisis of the state. The general overview of the Brazilian political scene--now very active after twenty-one years of authoritarian military rule--follows the same structure in dealing with the local manifestations of those perceived contemporary tendencies. Facts and numerous works by specialized social scientists indicate that rather than mere visions, such tendencies are clearly present in that country, either in concrete forms of political engagement, or as models inspiring relevant positions and proposals. This study intends to demonstrate that a complete analysis of politics in Brazil must, therefore, include the examination of these "post-modern" trends.