U.S. Neglect of Latin America Paves the Way for BRICS Strength
The United States’ lack of attention to Latin America has indirectly empowered the region, allowing alliances like BRICS to gain strength and influence on the global stage.
It has been over a year and a half since Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva returned to the presidency, resurrecting his political career after corruption charges were annulled. Since then, President Lula’s comeback has revitalized BRICS, a coalition uniting Brazil with Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Lula’s efforts have given new momentum to BRICS, now known as BRICS Plus after the group agreed to admit new members like Saudi Arabia and Iran during a landmark summit in Johannesburg last year.
During his previous term from 2003 to 2010, Lula was instrumental in forging BRICS into a significant geopolitical entity, emerging as a counterweight to Western dominance. The recent expansion of BRICS underscores its growing influence, which many argue is a direct result of the United States’ waning attention to Latin America.
At the Johannesburg summit, Lula highlighted the economic potential of BRICS, noting that the bloc accounts for 32% of global GDP in purchasing power parity, surpassing the G7. However, it is essential to recognize that much of this economic growth stems from China and India. Despite this, Brazil continues to benefit from its association with BRICS, leveraging its relationship with China, its largest trading partner, to bolster its economic standing.
The U.S. Overlooks Latin America
The United States’ lack of focus on Latin America has created a vacuum that BRICS has been able to fill. Latin American countries, with their strategic thinking, have seen the potential of BRICS and have actively sought to diversify their alliances. Historically, U.S. foreign policy has often neglected Latin American countries, treating them as peripheral players rather than significant partners. This oversight has allowed nations like Brazil to seek alternative alliances to serve their economic and political interests better.
Monica de Bolle, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, points out that the original BRICS concept was more of an investment strategy than a political alliance. However, it resonated with Lula’s aspirations for Brazil’s foreign policy. By positioning Brazil as a key player within BRICS, Lula has ensured that Brazil remains relevant globally, even as the U.S. overlooks the region.
Brazilian economist Rodrigo Zeidan, based at New York University Shanghai, notes that Brazil sees BRICS as a strategic hedge rather than a primary alliance. This pragmatic approach allows Brazil to maintain strong ties with China while navigating complex international dynamics. Despite some “strange bedfellows” within BRICS, Brazil’s participation costs little and provides significant benefits, highlighting the country’s ability to maneuver through global alliances.
Economic Benefits and Political Ambiguities
One of the tangible benefits Brazil has gained from BRICS is the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB). This multilateral lender, founded by BRICS, has provided Brazil with crucial financial support, such as a $1.1 billion loan for reconstruction after floods in Rio Grande do Sul. The NDB, headed by former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, not only strengthens Brazil-China relations but also underscores the practical advantages of Brazil’s involvement in BRICS, reassuring the audience about Brazil’s economic stability.
However, the relationship is not without its challenges. Lula’s ambiguous stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, reflecting Brazil’s traditional neutrality, has drawn criticism. Furthermore, Brazil’s dependency on China could complicate its foreign policy, especially as anti-China sentiment grows in the U.S. As de Bolle points out, Brazil’s alignment with China might put it in a difficult position if US-China tensions escalate, potentially forcing Brazil to reassess its foreign policy and alliances.
Latin America’s Role in a Multipolar World
The U.S.’s inattention to Latin America has inadvertently strengthened the region’s autonomy and influence. Latin American countries have seized the opportunity to diversify their alliances and assert their interests on the global stage. The expansion of BRICS countries, including Argentina, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, further demonstrates the bloc’s appeal and desire for a multipolar world order. This expansion could potentially lead to a more balanced global order, challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers.
Latin America’s engagement with BRICS reflects a broader trend of seeking alternatives to Western-dominated institutions. Countries in the region increasingly look to China for trade and investment opportunities, reducing their reliance on the U.S. This shift highlights the changing dynamics of global power and the rise of new economic partnerships.
Despite the diverse political landscapes within BRICS, the group shares a common goal: to challenge Western hegemony and promote a more balanced global order. As BRICS expands, it brings countries with varying political systems and economic models together, united by the desire for more significant influence and autonomy. This unity within diversity presents opportunities and challenges as member states navigate their differences while striving for common objectives, instilling a sense of hope for global cooperation.
A New Era for Latin America
The U.S.’s lack of attention to Latin America has led to significant shifts in the region’s geopolitical landscape. By neglecting to engage meaningfully with Latin American countries, the U.S. has allowed alliances like BRICS to flourish, empowering nations like Brazil to pursue alternative partnerships. This development underscores Latin America’s importance in the global arena and highlights the region’s capacity to influence international affairs. However, this growing influence also brings potential risks, such as increased geopolitical tensions and the need for careful diplomatic navigation.
As BRICS continues to grow and evolve, how the U.S. will respond to the changing dynamics remains to be seen. For now, Latin America’s strategic maneuvering within BRICS demonstrates its resilience and adaptability in a multipolar world. The region’s growing influence reminds the U.S. to recognize Latin America and maintain its global standing.
The U.S.’s neglect of Latin America has unintentionally paved the way for the region’s empowerment through alliances like BRICS. This shift challenges traditional power structures and heralds a new global cooperation and competition era. As Latin America continues to assert its influence, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of international relations.
