Understanding Brazil’s Foreign Policy
Brazil is the largest and most populous country in Latin America, with a vast territory, rich natural resources, and a diverse society. Since its independence in 1822, Brazil has pursued an independent and active foreign policy, based on the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation among nations. Brazil has sought to promote its national interests, uphold international law and norms, and contribute to regional and global stability and development.
Brazil’s foreign policy is guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which formulates and implements the country’s diplomatic agenda, maintains relations with other states, and represents Brazil in international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Brazil has diplomatic relations with about 190 countries and territories, and maintains embassies or consulates in more than 100 of them.
Historical Relations: Brazil’s Long-Term Alliances
Brazil has historical and cultural ties with several countries, based on shared values, traditions, and interests. Portugal, the former colonial power, remains a close ally and partner, as well as a gateway to the European Union (EU). The United States, the largest economy and military power in the world, has had a complex and ambivalent relationship with Brazil, marked by cooperation and competition, convergence and divergence, and mutual interests and conflicts.
Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, has long been a key partner and rival of Brazil, as both countries compete for regional leadership and economic integration. Uruguay and Paraguay, the other members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), have close ties with Brazil, based on shared political and economic objectives. Chile and Colombia, the Pacific Alliance members, have also developed closer cooperation with Brazil in recent years.
Mercosur: The Main Regional Economic Alliance
Mercosur is a regional economic and political alliance, founded in 1991, by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and expanded to include Venezuela in 2012. Mercosur aims to promote free trade, investment, and cooperation among its member states, and to strengthen their collective bargaining power in global markets. Mercosur also seeks to foster political dialogue and coordination among its members, and to promote social and environmental development.
Brazil is the largest economy and population in Mercosur, and plays a leading role in the alliance’s decision-making and agenda-setting. Brazil has benefited from Mercosur’s protective tariffs and trade preferences, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors, but also faces challenges in harmonizing its standards and regulations with the other members, and in dealing with the asymmetries of size and development within the alliance.
BRICS: The Emerging Powers Partnership
BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, founded in 2006, to promote cooperation and coordination among them, and to challenge the dominance of the Western powers in global governance and development. BRICS represents about 40% of the world’s population, and about 25% of its GDP, and has become a key player in shaping the international agenda and promoting South-South cooperation.
Brazil has played an active role in BRICS, hosting its annual summit in 2014, and advocating for reforms of the global financial system, the UN Security Council, and the WTO, to reflect the changing balance of power and interests in the world. Brazil has also sought to deepen its economic relations with the other BRICS members, especially China, which has become its largest trading partner and investor in recent years.
Africa: Brazil’s Strong Ties with the Continent
Africa has been a priority for Brazil’s foreign policy, based on historical, cultural, and strategic reasons. Brazil has a vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, and a significant population of African descent, which has contributed to its diversity and richness. Brazil also shares with Africa several challenges and opportunities, such as poverty, inequality, natural resources, and sustainable development.
Brazil has sought to deepen its relations with Africa, through political, economic, and social initiatives, such as the South-South Cooperation, the Africa-Brazil Forum, and the More Doctors Program. Brazil has also invested in infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture projects in several African countries, such as Mozambique, Angola, and Ghana. Brazil has also supported African countries’ efforts to increase their representation and influence in international organizations, such as the UN and the WTO.
USA: The Complex and Ambiguous Relationship
The United States is a key partner and rival of Brazil, in many aspects, such as trade, security, and diplomacy. Brazil and the US share many interests and values, such as democracy, human rights, and market economy, but also have divergent views and policies, on issues such as climate change, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Brazil has sought to balance its relations with the US, by engaging in dialogue and cooperation, while preserving its autonomy and sovereignty. Brazil has also sought to diversify its partnerships, by seeking closer ties with other emerging powers, such as China, India, and Russia. Brazil and the US have also cooperated in several areas, such as space exploration, energy, and health, and have signed bilateral agreements, such as the Open Skies and the Defense Cooperation.
European Union: The Strategic Partner
The European Union (EU) is a major partner and investor of Brazil, and a key player in global governance and development. Brazil and the EU share several interests and values, such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Brazil and the EU have also signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements, such as the Strategic Partnership, the Association Agreement, and the Climate Alliance.
Brazil has sought to deepen its relations with the EU, by promoting dialogue and cooperation, and by seeking to conclude the long-lasting trade negotiations, known as the Mercosur-EU Free Trade Agreement. Brazil has also sought to align its environmental and social standards with the EU’s, in order to enhance its competitiveness and access to European markets. Brazil and the EU have also cooperated in several areas, such as research and innovation, culture, and education.
Middle East: Brazil’s Growing Diplomatic Presence
The Middle East is a region of strategic and political significance for Brazil, due to its energy resources, security challenges, and cultural ties. Brazil has sought to enhance its diplomatic presence and engagement in the Middle East, through political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Brazil has also sought to promote peace, stability, and development in the region, through multilateral initiatives, such as the Arab-South American Summit, the Peace Process in the Middle East, and the UN peacekeeping missions.
Brazil has also sought to deepen its relations with individual countries in the Middle East, such as Israel, Palestine, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, by engaging in dialogue and cooperation, while preserving its neutrality and independence. Brazil has also been active in supporting humanitarian and development projects in the region, such as the Syrian refugees crisis, and the reconstruction of Iraq.
Asia: The Expanding Political and Economic Ties
Asia is a region of growing economic and political importance for Brazil, due to its dynamism, diversity, and potential. Brazil has sought to deepen its relations with the Asian countries, by promoting economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and political dialogue. Brazil has also sought to align its foreign policy with the Asian countries, on issues such as climate change, cyber security, and regional security.
Brazil has also sought to diversify its partnerships in Asia, by seeking closer ties with individual countries, such as China, Japan, and India, as well as with regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Brazil has also been active in promoting Brazilian culture and education in Asia, through initiatives such as the Brazil Institute in Beijing, and the Science without Borders program.
OAS: The Multilateral Cooperation Framework
The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional multilateral organization, founded in 1948, to promote political, economic, and social cooperation among the countries of the Americas, and to defend democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Brazil is one of the founding members of the OAS, and has played an active role in its institutional development and agenda-setting.
Brazil has sought to promote democracy and human rights in the Americas, by supporting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and by participating in the electoral observation missions, in several countries of the region. Brazil has also sought to foster economic integration and cooperation in the Americas, by promoting Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance, and by engaging in regional initiatives, such as the Summit of the Americas, and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
UN: Brazil’s Engagement in Global Governance
The United Nations (UN) is a global multilateral organization, founded in 1945, to promote peace, security, development, and human rights worldwide. Brazil is one of the founding members of the UN, and has played an active role in its institutional development and agenda-setting. Brazil has served several times as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has contributed to several peacekeeping missions, in different parts of the world.
Brazil has also sought to promote reforms of the UN, to reflect the changing balance of power and interests in the world, and to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness. Brazil has advocated for a more democratic and inclusive UN, with a reformed Security Council, a more effective General Assembly, and a more transparent and accountable Secretariat. Brazil has also sought to align its foreign policy with the UN’s agenda, on issues such as climate change, poverty reduction, and peacebuilding.
Conclusion: Brazil’s Allies in the 21st Century
Brazil’s alliances in the 21st century reflect its strategic interests, priorities, and challenges, in a changing and complex world. Brazil has sought to diversify its partnerships, by engaging with a wide range of countries and regions, and by promoting South
