Regional globalization: Development of a multidimensional index for Brazil

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the multidimensional and regional character of globalization in Brazil. To achieve such objective, a Regional Globalization Index (IRG) that covers Brazilian states was developed for the period from 2001 to 2014, which encompasses the region´'s economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. The index covers characteristics beyond the trade opening, including social aspects, such as immigration and tourism, that are relevant to measure the international integration of Brazilian States and the regional asymmetries to be addressed. The index shows an increase in regional globalization in the period; however, historical regional disparities persist: the most globalized states the ones in the Southeast and South regions, while States from the Northeast and North regions are the least globalized.