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Henry Maksoud and the reception of Hayek in Brazil: demarchy and the proposal for a neoliberal constitution

Abstract

The Businessman Henry Maksoud, famous for his work in the hotel business, was also a great advocate of neoliberal ideas in Brazil. When he was in charge of Revista Visão, he used the space to promote this set of ideas. Inspired by the ideas of the Austrian economist Friedrich Von Hayek, the Brazilian businessman wrote in 1987 a constituent proposal based on neoliberal values which he defended the institution of demarchy in the country. Thus, the objective of this article is to analyze Maksoud’s role and participation in the introjection of neoliberal ideas in Brazil from his work in Revista Visão and also in its constituent proposal. We start from the double hypothesis that Maksoud’s role was central to the entry of these ideas into the public debate and also that he saw in the approval of the constitution the possibility of creating a neoliberal society.

Keywords:
Henry Maksoud; 1929-2014; Neoliberalism; Demarchy; Hayek; Friedrich; 1899-1992; Constituent proposal

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