Abstract

MOLL NETO, Roberto  and  DAMASCENO, Rafael Pinheiro Caetano. A nation under risk (to learn): analysis of neoconservative thinking on education and the experience in Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989). Práxis Educativa [online]. 2020, vol.15, e2016084.  Epub Sep 02, 2020. ISSN 1809-4309.  https://doi.org/10.5212/praxeduc.v.15.16084.072.

This article aims to reflect on the role of education in neoconservative thinking as a key to the reconstruction of the global leadership of the United States of America (USA), especially in Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989). To this end, it was investigated, based on content analysis, the link between Irving Kristol’s writings, Reagan’s speeches, official documents, budget data and articles written by members of the government and scholars in the period. This methodological effort was linked to the theory of the Modern World System, in particular the examination of the systemic crisis that hit the USA in the late 1960s. In this context, neoconservative thinking emerged as an ideology to restructure the American global leadership. In order to do so, it attacked and re-signified the role of education, suggesting a greater articulation with productivity, competitiveness and military defense. The Reagan administration tried to put the neoconservative education project into practice, adapting it to reality.

Keywords : Neoconservatism; Education; International relation.

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