Presidents versus foreign offices: The formulation of foreign policy in Brazil and Chile between 1990 and 2010

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explain the different role and influence exercised by Brazil's and Chile's Foreign Offices (or Chancelleries) during the formulation and implementation of their foreign policy. To this aim, it examines one relevant case in each country, applying a model of analysis based on the bureaucratic politics. Particular attention is paid to three dimensions: these ministries' greater or lesser capacity to centralize and coordinate the international policy agenda; their degree of integration with or isolation from the rest of the public administration, and the professionalization of the diplomatic service. It concludes that the first two are the most relevant explanatory variables, while the third dimension can also boost the former ones. The application of this explanatory framework to the comparative analysis of both cases shows interesting contrasts in the way that Chile and Brazil formulate their respective foreign policies.