The role of ZOPACAS in Brazil's foreign and defense policies in the 21st century (2005-present)

Abstract

The 21st century has been characterized by complexity with the rise/consolidation of regional power poles, configuring characteristics of a multipolar order. Global attention was once again directed to the Southern hemisphere due to the intensification of South-South relations, including the South Atlantic, in the geostrategic calculations. In this context, Brazil reconsolidated the axis of its foreign policy for the South, intensifying relations with the countries in its strategic surroundings, articulating defense matters there. Thus, this article aims to analyze the role of ZOPACAS in Brazil's foreign and defense policies, especially from 2005 onwards with the first review of the National Defense Policy (PND). As a hypothesis, it is evident that the Zone is part of the concept of Brazil's strategic environment, having been a priority of its foreign and defense policies since 1986, even with periods of greater or lesser intensity in its external agenda. Methodologically, we opted for a qualitative approach research, applying the hypothetical-deductive method.