The Task of Contemporary Brazilian Diplomacy

In his essay, Fernando H. Cardoso emphasizes development as a fundamental part of the national interest, and moreover, of the agenda of Brazilian diplomacy. Development in terms of economic process and form of progress, composed of democracy and social justice as basic elements. Pursuant to this, he maintains that in its international relations, Brazil seeks routes that contribute to the reinforcement of its development, democracy and social justice. The author, President of Brazil, analyzes the main elements of Brazil’s modern-day participation in international relations: construction of a space of democracy, peace and prosperity in South America by expanding and strengthening the Southern Cone Common Market, among other fundamental factors, negotiations with the Andean Community, the horizon of opportunities that is opening with countries like Venezuela and Peru, as well as the progress being made in physical integration, and of energetics, as well as in infrastructure projects. This, without forgetting the importance of relations with the United States and the European Union, or Brazil’s participation in the multilateral trade system within the context of the World Trade Organization and the Millennium Round. Cardoso also points out the importance of areas such as human rights, the environment and disarmament, plus relations with the United Nations and the non-governmental organizations. The author concludes that Brazil is open to dialogue, to the exchange of ideas and influences, and to free trade, that it is a country that inspires confidence and that the power it wants to exercise on the international stage is based on respect for what is and what can be.