South America In Lula Da Silva Foreign Policy

Abstract

Starting from the idea that South America has occupied a special place in Brazilian foreign policy, this article analyses the specificities of the foreign policy toward the region during Lula da Silva government (2003-2010). Despite its continuity with projects launched by the former government, Lula administration presented important singularities, mainly derived from the priority given to the strengthening of regional cooperation ties and regional integration in South America; the main examples are the creation of the UNASUR and the new drive experienced by the MERCOSUR. This article analyses the foreign policies toward the region implemented in the light of domestic dynamics, with the focus on the reorganization of political forces, and in the light of the regional scenario, with the rise of left and left-centrist governments, as well as the economic changes in the neighbouring countries. Finally, it addresses the question of the construction of a regional identity.

Keywords

• política exterior brasileña
• américa del sur
• gobierno de lula
• cooperación sur-sur
• integración regional