Entre arbítrios et tribunaux : les sujets ultramarins de la monarchie portugaise et la formulation du politique (1640-1670)

Abstract

Based on some arbítrios, this article examines the proposals elaborated by Portuguese vassals that circulated in overseas spaces, aiming to demonstrate how the formulation of Portuguese overseas policy was not necessarily imposed by decision-making centers, but effectively constructed in center-locality relations. The context of the analysis is that of the critical situation after the 1640 coup, a time of war and re-establishment of territorial hierarchies. One of the reached conclusions is that the authority of the Overseas Council was also woven into those relations, and cannot be understood only in a manner inherent to the palace sphere.

Keywords

• arbítrios
• circulation of information
• Overseas Council
• Post-Restoration
• Portuguese monarchy
• 17th century