Our aim in this article was to compare the discourse of the two presidents that governed Brazil in the last 16 years (Fernando Henrique and Lula). We used the method known as content analysis to investigate more than a thousand addresses delivered by both presidents in diplomatic events in Brazil and abroad. We found important similarities and differences in the subject matters and in the alliances they managed to make in the international arena. Both presidents privileged the issues related to the economy, to international institutions and to the relationship with South America. Fernando Henrique seemed to have given more attention to issues related to democracy and to have been closer to European countries. Lula extended his concern to inequality issues to the international context and dedicated to establishing a more open dialogue with Asia, the Middle East and, most of all, with Africa.
content analysis; presidential diplomacy; Fernando Henrique Cardoso administration; Lula administration; Brazilian foreign policy
