Latin America

How Brazil is losing regional prominence to Chile

Sebastián Piñera (L) and Jair Bolsonaro
Sebastián Piñera (L) and Jair Bolsonaro

Despite being one of the world’s largest economies, Brazil never had much of a role at the global diplomatic top table. Though not for lack of trying. For decades, Brazil has lobbied for a permanent seat on the United Nations’ Security Council, as has tried to act as a mediator in Middle-Eastern affairs—to uneven rates of success. In 2014, for instance, Brazil criticized Israel’s “disproportionate use of force in Gaza” and was called a “diplomatic dwarf” in return. 

In South America, however, Brazil’s sheer size and importance always guaranteed the country an important stake in regional affairs. And, at least in theory, Brazil had everything to maximize its protagonism in 2019. Argentina is facing yet another financial crisis and a polarized election; in Colombia, the Farc has taken up arms again; Peru’s political system is in disarray; the Paraguayan president faces mounting opposition, and Venezuela has collapsed into the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western world.

And yet, Brazil’s diplomacy has only been seen in the worst possible light. From Amazon fires and comments about the French First Lady’s looks, to the praise of men who committed crimes against humanity, Brazil has become a toxic presence on the international stage.

As Brazil fails to fulfill its role as South American leader, Chile —the region’s third-largest...

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