Corruption in Brazil: Why are Manifestations on the Rise? The Mensalao Scandal, Operation Lava Jato, Odebrecht Scandal, Rousseff Impeachment, Plea Bargaining, Effect on Democracy and Security

This mid-2018 report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. This study takes a closer look at some of the prominent corruption cases such as the Mensalao, Operation Lava Jato, and the Odebrecht scandal and concentrates on the elements that exposed their existence. Although these corruption schemes had been in operation for some time before their manifestations, it was not until distinctive mechanisms were introduced into Brazilian politics that the impunity of the policy makers began to be challenged. The primary question addressed in this study is: Why is political corruption in Brazil being recognized now, and why are political leaders finally being held accountable? While many studies attempt to prove or disprove the many causes that lead to corruption, this study takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on the sources, it identifies the factors that have caused the country to finally hold its political leaders accountable. This study identifies two key factors that are responsible: the implementation of the plea bargain and the media. As Brazil's corruption scandals continue to be exposed, the international community can learn from the loopholes and flaws that allowed for them and install the necessary safeguards to protect their democracies.

I. Introduction * A. Major Research Question * B. Significance Of The Research Question * C. Literature Review * 1. "Rouba, Mas Faz" * 2. Accountability And Rule Of Law * 3. Plea-Bargaining * 4. Effects On Democracy, Security, And The Potential For Political Reform * D. Potential Explanations And Hypotheses * E. Research Design * F. Study Overview And Chapter Outline * Ii. Brazil: A Sleeping Giant Bound By Corruption * A. Corruption Scandals In Brazil * 1. Mensalao * 2. Operation Lava Jato * 3. Odebrecht * B. Summary * Iii. Why Now? * A. Plea Bargaining * 1. The Plea Bargain In The Lava Jato Scandal * 2. Opposition To Plea Bargaining * B. The Media * 1. The Media In Brazil * 2. Effect Of The Media On Exposing Corruption. * 3. Role Of The Media In The Mensalao Scandal * 4. Role Of The Media In Operation Lava Jato * C. Summary * Iv. Conclusion And Recommendations