This paper examines Brazil’s contradictory foreign policy regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war, revealing how the nation balances its commitment to international law with its geopolitical and economic interests, ultimately striving for a non-aligned position in an increasingly multipolar world.
Authors
Dawisson Belém Lopes, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Karin Vazquez, Associate Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Summary
As a post-colonial nation that embraces international law and multilateralism, Brazil was expected to side with those who defend the sanctity of Ukraine’s territorial integrity when the country was invaded by Russia. However, as a Global Southern country with tangible geopolitical and economic interests at stake in the war, Brazil turned a blind eye to Russia’s defiant move and downplayed the gravity of its breach of the law.
This article aims to explore the contradictions in Brazil’s foreign policy stance towards the Russo-Ukrainian war. It analyes the difficult balance between ideals and concrete goals that Brazilian diplomats strive to achieve in the ongoing war. In doing so, it also sheds light on the current administration’s strategies to cope with today’s emerging multipolar order and to avoid falling prey to the “weaponization of interdependence”. The article concludes reflecting on Brazil’s quest for an actively non-aligned position to address the sovereignty paradox it faces in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Published in: Contemporary Security Policy
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