Where is the extraregional deterrence strategy for South America?

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the idea of “extra-regional deterrence,” adopted by Brazil as a model of cooperative defense for South America at the end of the first decade of this century, in a context marked by efforts towards regional integration. After nearly two decades—and considering the current regional environment of fragmentation—this article discusses the viability of that proposal. To this end, based on discourses and documentary production from the period, we will analyze the Brazilian proposal, dividing the discussion into four sections. In the first, we describe the process of “South Americanization” of the Brazilian military agenda. In the second, we present the emergence and dissemination of the idea of “extraregional deterrence.” The third section discusses the regional context of the past decade, marked by regional fragmentation. Finally, the fourth section analyzes the current viability of Brazil’s proposal, considering the context of power struggles among major powers in the region.