Helio Jaguaribe and Brazil´s Oil Question

Abstract

When Helio Jaguaribe published his book “O nacionalismo na atualidade brasileira” (Nationalism in Brazil Today), its impact in Brazil´s developmental epistemic community was immediate. Among the nationalists who strongly advocated the 1953 Petrobras oil monopoly, the reaction was one of astonishment and outrage. In this article, it is argued that Jaguaribe did not seek to question the adequacy of the monopoly solution, but rather to frame the debate about the oil question on a more rational and pragmatic basis. Jaguaribe’s pioneering contribution would be followed by a rich intellectual debate of some decades between sociologists, political scientists, and economists about the significance of the Brazilian oil issue and the importance of the foundation of Petrobras in 1953 for economic development and Brazil´s affirmation in its quest for economic and political independence. The article also shows that at various times of his career Jaguaribe would return to the oil question, emphasizing in a lucid and pragmatic way, and, above all, imbued with a developmental spirit, its challenges, and possible solutions.