The Federative Republic of Brazil has embarked on one of the most ambitious strategic initiatives in its history. Brazil used the occasion, eight years ago in 2000, not only to celebrate the historic 500th anniversary of its discovery which coincided with the start of the new millennium but as a strategic opportunity to inaugurate a series of summit meetings of South American presidents. Thirty years ago in 1978, it had launched the Treaty of Amazonian Cooperation which emphasised its economic status and ecological roles and responsibilities. Now, it is trying to establish a South American security council.
Brazil has always been spoken of as the ‘colossus of the South.’ Its military and political elites imagined their huge country as South America’s counterbalance to North America’s ‘colossus of the North’ – the United States of America. The pretentiousness of this Portuguese-speaking state’s self-perception, however, has never overawed its mainly Spanish-speaking neighbours.
The strategic situation has now changed. As the colossus of the North became preoccupied with fighting wars on two fronts far away in Afghanistan and Iraq, its responsiveness to hemispheric developments in South America has been uncharacteristically restrained. This has provided the opportunity to the colossus of the South to assert its ambitions. The recent Andean security crisis that was precipitated by Colombia’s attack on a rebel camp in Ecuador escalated when Venezuela menacingly mobilised a military task force on its border with Colombia. The showdown among three states was resolved without US involvement and was regarded as an act of strategic diplomacy in South American internal relations.
Brazil’s moderating role helped it to rise to the rank of respected referee, Brazil is positioned in the continent’s most strategic location and has borders with all but two states. Its armed forces are the largest and strongest on the continent. Its stable economy has permitted it to increase military expenditure, estimated at $13.5 billion in 2006.
Brazil’s Minister of Defence Nelson Azevedo Jobim’s brief visit to President Bharrat Jagdeo in Georgetown, last week was just one stop on his itinerary. He had met Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez in Caracas the previous week and was on his way to see Suriname’s Ronald Venetiaan. The formation of the South American security council is expected to be discussed in detail at the next summit of South American presidents to be held in Rio de Janeiro next month.
As Mr Jobim tells it, the security council is not intended to be a ‘military alliance.’ If adopted, the council is meant to develop a defence policy; resolve international disputes on this continent without resort to extra-continental mediators; act collectively on peacekeeping missions; and combat organised crime. “The projection of power by South America depends on its dissuasive powers of defence,” Mr Jobim declared.
Guyana has enjoyed cordial relations with Brazil for forty years and even issued a special postage stamp in 2003 to celebrate the anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations. Brazil’s principled support for Guyana’s territorial integrity has contributed measurably to national security. Scores of Guyana Defence Force officers, including the current chief of staff, have been trained by the Brazilian Armed Forces; officers from the two forces meet periodically to exchange military intelligence and Brazilian naval ships occasionally visit Georgetown to boost defence relationships. Last week, Mr Jobim came bearing gifts and signed an agreement to supply military equipment and to provide more training in Brazilian military schools.
Guyana Defence Board Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon’s announcement that “There isn’t any immediate intention of the administration to abandon its non-alignment principles and to engage in the formation of, or to adopt membership in, a defence or military pact,” might be based on a misconception. He might not have had the opportunity to comprehend the long-term strategic objectives of the proposed council. He should think again.
