O papel da ZOPACAS na política externa e de defesa do Brasil (1986-2018)

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the role of the Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS), formed from a Brazilian initiative in the 1980s. ZOPACAS presents itself as an opportunity for regional cooperation and economic integration, reinforcing relations between its Member-States. For Brazil, this forum worked as an opportunity to strengthen its historical ties with the African continent and an opportunity to play a greater role in the Southern Cone. Thus, the research problem is to identify ZOPACA’s role in Brazil’s foreign and defense policy, from 1986 to 2018. Upon the study which was conducted, it was concluded that ZOPACAS played a significant role when Brazil’s national interests were threatened in the South Atlantic region. It was also noticed that Brazil, through this initiative and the instrumentalization of the South-South cooperation, projects itself as a regional power defending its strategic surroundings.