Brasil y México: el acercamiento necesario

This article looks at the implications of a greater political and economic rapprochement between Mexico and Brazil, in terms of both Latin American integration and the challenges posed by globalization. The author, Cassio Luiselli, begins with a brief overview of the historic rapport between these, Latin America’s leading economic powers, noting that, for the last 10 years or so, bilateral relations have been conducted cordially and respectfully, but that the two nations can hardly claim to have close ties. More recently, however, trade and investment have grown rapidly and the governments of Felipe Calderón and Lula da Silva have taken steps to cknowledge this new scenario by creating a high-level bi-national commission to provide an institutional framework for relations between Mexico and Brazil. If ties are successfully strengthened, says the author, a strategic economic integration agreement could be on the cards sometime in the future. Luiselli then discusses the implications of globalization and the “sliding” of the North Atlantic toward the North Pacific, which has become the gravitational center of the global economy and political power, particularly in light of the rapid rise of China and other Asian nations. His conclusion, which he supports with facts and figures, is that although they would gain clout in specific global affairs, neither Brazil nor Mexico are likely to occupy center stage in the new power configuration of the 21st century. Finally, he analyzes the role played by Brazil and Mexico as emerging powers, and the possible opportunities and mutual advantages they stand to gain in certain key sectors by forging closer ties. According to the author, seven areas in which bilateral cooperation would be of strategic importance are: the energy, industrial and infrastructure sectors, sustainable regional and territorial development in Latin America, the building of “people-to-people” ties, the reciprocal teaching of Spanish and Portuguese, and concerted joint efforts to promote Latin American integration.