Where Lula’s foreign policy wants to take Brazil

The new Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration has set itself lofty ambitions. In domestic terms, it has promised to rein in deforestation, tackle inequality, end hunger, reinvigorate democracy, and rekindle the economy of Latin America’s largest nation. And while these are difficult aims, they are not unrealistic. 

Perhaps equally important to the new president is reestablishing Brazil as a central actor in international affairs. During the years in which the Workers’ Party governed Brazil (2003-2016) — particularly during Lula’s two terms in office (2003-2010) — the country could credibly claim an important role in affairs beyond its own neighborhood. 

Lula is eager to pick up where he left off. 

His methodical steps toward South American integration, for example, would have far-reaching impacts on both sides of the Atlantic — as would a tighter, bolder BRICS.

Preserving the Amazon and overseeing the further decarbonization of Brazil’s energy mix would go a long way toward enshrining Brazil as a global environmental leader.

The person tasked with implementing Lula’s bold foreign policy vision this time around is career diplomat Mauro Vieira, a staid choice after prominent politicians had been floated in the press as potential foreign ministers. 

Before being picked to lead Itamaraty, as Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is commonly known, Mr. Vieira was serving as the country’s ambassador to Croatia. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he served in various positions across Latin America, the U.S., and France. 

During his first term, Lula chose Mr. Vieira as ambassador to...