Na década de 1980 abriu-se uma nova discussão sobre o papel do Estado, por causa das crises econômico-financeiras em vários países subdesenvolvidos e dos elevados déficits públicos de muitos países. Para os teóricos das organizações financeiras internacionais (Banco Mundial e FMI) e para o governo dos EUA, a crise e a nova economia globalizadas exigiam um Estado que não interferisse no livre comércio, que facilitasse a atuação das grandes empresas, que cobrasse menos impostos e reduzisse seus gastos, inclusive nos setores sociais.

The correct answer is D) neoliberals. This is because the text refers to the ideas and proposals that emerged in the 1980s, which advocated for a reduction in state intervention, facilitating the action of large corporations, reducing taxes, and decreasing public spending, including in social areas. These ideas are characteristic of neoliberalism, a doctrine that emerged in the 1980s and was implemented by governments and international financial organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The term "neoliberal" was first used to describe the economic policies of the 1980s, which were characterized by a shift towards free market economics, deregulation, and privatization. The neoliberals argued that the state should not interfere with the market, and that the economy should be left to regulate itself. This led to a decrease in state intervention and a reduction in public spending, including in social areas.

The other options are not correct because they do not accurately describe the ideas and proposals mentioned in the text. Option A, "estado de bem-estar social" (welfare state), refers to a system in which the state provides a range of social services and benefits to its citizens. Option B, "globalização" (globalization), is a broader concept that refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world's economies and societies. Option C, "liberais" (liberals), is a term that can refer to a range of political and economic ideologies, but it does not accurately describe the specific ideas and proposals mentioned in the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D, "neoliberals", because it accurately describes the ideas and proposals mentioned in the text, which advocate for a reduction in state intervention and a shift towards free market economics.