Brazil was one of the first countries to recover from the global economic meltdown and has consistently shown itself to be the strongest economy in Latin America. While the country is not without its faults and problems, a closer relationship with Brazil would be immensely beneficial to the United States. Besides the economic opportunities a close relationship would present, Brazil is also a regional leader in technology and bio fuels, and is a growing political force. We must use this period of growth in Brazil to cement ourselves as a strong regional partner to Brazil.
To cultivate our relationship with Brazil , we must encourage the United Nations Security Council permanent members to give it a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Our full support would be a huge advantage to make this happen. To encourage an increase in trade between the United States and Brazil, a trade agreement is necessary. The last important step in building and maintaining this relationship is encouraging trade, business, and other ties through diplomatic means.
While Brazil is currently member of the United Nations Security Council, this term ends in 2011. The United States must push for a permanent seat for Brazil on the UNSC. The lack of a permanent seat for any Latin American country (as well as the lack of African and Middle Eastern representation) leads to an unfair balance of power within the Security Council. Brazil's role as a regional leader, economically and politically, makes it the logical choice for the representative of Latin America.
The addition of a permanent seat for Brazil also adds a potential ally for the US. Both France and the United Kingdom have previously voiced support for a permanent seat on the UNSC for Brazil. They want the US support and, while our support will not guarantee the seat, it may help sway some countries unsure of the role that Brazil should play in the UN.
It is clear from recent actions that Brazil is very serious about becoming a major player on the world stage. Brazil is already working to assist farmers in sub Saharan Africa with agricultural issues and has also begun to invest money into the IMF. The Brazilian government has worked very hard to keep the HIV rate in the country low and has successfully worked to reduce drug prices by working to mass produce generic prescriptions. If we do not voice our support now, we may be left behind when they gain even more power and ability.
Obviously, we already have ties to Brazil diplomatically but we must be willing to increase these very publicly. Brazil sees itself as a growing superpower (rightfully so) and wants to be in the spotlight next to the major players on the world stage. By sending high level diplomats (perhaps the Vice President and/or Secretary of State) to Brazil to meet with their high level diplomats on various issues (trade, nonproliferation, energy, agriculture, etc) and inviting their diplomats to visit us, we can increase the visibility of the relationship. This will not only benefit the US and Brazil but will show other countries (i.e. Iran, China) that the US is supportive of Brazil and its policies.
Another idea for diplomatic engagement with Brazil is to form a commission of sorts with other countries (preferably in Latin America). Vice President Al Gore took part in these commissions during the Clinton Administration and Vice President Biden could follow a similar path. Gore worked with the South African Deputy President to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. Something similar could be set up either between the US and Brazil, or including other countries. As mentioned, issues addressed could include trade, nonproliferation, energy, agriculture, regional issues, drug trade, and many others.
Clearly there are many options for exactly how we can improve and strengthen our relationship with Brazil. The question is not whether or not these improvements are necessary but how they can be made. A stronger relationship with Brazil would benefit both the US and Brazil and can help improve the Western Hemisphere as a whole. Brazil is on the way to the top, both economically and politically, and we need to find a way to insure we are standing next to them the entire way up.
No comments:
Post a Comment