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Diplomatic Relations of Brazil

International Relations in Brazil are a complex and contentious issue. Brazil has generally taken a position of non-interference in the affairs of other South American nations, but still retains a place as a major world power. Brazil is involved with the Organization of American States and the United Nations. Brazil is currently seeking a permanent place on the United Nations Security Council, and is a member of G4, the other nations being Germany, Japan, and India. Brazil also heads the United Nations stabilization force in Haiti and is attempting to increase relations with other Portuguese speaking nations through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, or CPLC.

The current governmental administration, the Lula da Silva administration, has set the following as their international relations goals: to aid in the search for a more stable balance of power and unilateralism in South America, to increase the international power of Brazil, both politically and economically, to increase positive relationships with other nations to benefit from financial, technological, and cultural exchange, and to turn down any foreign policy directives that could hinder future development. International Relations in Brazil are molded by these directives, and most of the foreign policies can relate back to them.

Brazil has a particular emphasis on creating good economic and social relations with other developing economies, such as those of India, South Africa, Russia and China. However, International Relations in Brazil do not extend to several other countries. Brazil does not maintain relations with Honduras, as a result of the coup d’état in 2009, Taiwan, as a result of their relations with mainland China, and Kosovo because they have not been recognized as a nation by Serbia. Brazil also does not maintain relations with Central African Republic. Lula da Silva recently visited Africa, and visited several Portuguese speaking nations in an effort to increase Portuguese-speaking unity. He visited Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Mozambique.

The current state of International Relations in Brazil includes missions to several countries. Brazil has a lot of influence in East Timor, where they are very interested in the achievement of peace. Brazil maintains diplomatic headquarters in 125 countries.