Open Access Order and Interconnected Institutions in Brazil: A Challenge

Abstract

This paper will examine the evolution of democratic practice in Brazil. It will also discuss the performance related to equality, violence, and weak economic performance after the consolidation of democracy in 1985. Based on historical evidence, the paper will also provide explanations concerning the weak performance in Brazil. The case of Brazil provides a support that open access to political organizations and activities does not necessarily lead to better political representation. Further, open access in the political sphere does not necessarily result in better economic performance. The case of Brazil also shows that open access to economic organizations and activities in the absence of developing and improving the necessary interconnected institutions does not support economic performance. Empirical evidence in Brazil is a challenge to North and his colleagues concerning their theories on open access orders. This brings scholars back to institutional building and policy rationalization. Political scientists might have spent too much time on political contestation and participation. It is time to devote more time to institutional building and analyses and assessment of policy and institutional performance. If human societies are to go forward in healthy ways, rigid political ideologies have to yield to unbiased inquiries and sound explorations.