O caso UNASUL: uma análise comparativa de política externa brasileira no seu âmbito de constituição, pausa e retomada

Abstract

This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of Brazilian foreign policy within the Union of South American Nations - UNASUR: an intergovernmental cooperation body that serves as a crucial political pillar for Brazil's integration in South America. For comparative purposes, the analysis focuses on two distinct periods of Brazilian foreign policy: the initial period during UNASUR's creation in 2008 (during the second term of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva); a posterior time lapse from 2019 to 2022 (Jair Messias Bolsonaro administration’s); and its resumption as a political and diplomatic forum in 2023 under the third term of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration’s. To achieve this, it is necessary to explore the historical context, especially from Brazil's perspective and posteriorly, to examine how transitions between governments have influenced the formulation of its foreign policy towards South America. Understanding this process is essential to acknowledge the role that UNASUR seeks to play in the regional landscape and identify the challenges that need to be addressed to achieve consensus.