Last Thursday, July 3rd, the Center for International Strategies of Governments and Organizations (CIG) from the Universidad Austral He gave a lecture on the bilateral relationship between Argentina and Brazil, generating important reflections on the future of this strategic link.
The conference "Argentina and Brazil Facing the Reconfiguration of the Global Order: A Look at the Bilateral Relationship" was held in a hybrid format, with the participation of Carlos MagariñosFormer Ambassador of Argentina to Brazil (2016-2019), Fernando Straface, Director of the CIG, and Sofía del Carril, Director of the Master's Program in International Relations.
Magariños highlighted the importance of studying and working on the strategic bilateral relationship, underscoring that despite political fluctuations, the evolution of the bond has always been constructive. The former ambassador emphasized that it is a multi-level relationship encompassing political, economic, military, social, and cultural dimensions, and identified four pillars for the future of the relationship:
a) To strengthen the ongoing dialogue between both countries
b) Security cooperation for the protection of natural resources and against transnational crime
c) Restore nuclear cooperation as it historically existed
d) Energy cooperation leveraging the potential of both countries
Magariños concluded that "we shouldn't be afraid to reformulate the institutional framework" when necessary to strengthen the relationship.
Sofía del Carril, Director of the Master's Program in International Relations, pointed out that "the future of the relationship will depend a lot on the diagnosis that each leader makes of the new world order."
The director identified a significant strategic divergence: "Brazil views the new order as multipolar, but a similar consensus is not seen in Argentina." This difference in perception regarding the architecture of the international system could impact the foreign policy decisions of both countries.
Del Carril also emphasized the importance of the "connections between both countries," highlighting that not only are governmental links relevant, but also "those that exist between actors in the private sector in both countries."
For his part, Fernando Straface, Director of the CIG, offered a historical perspective on the transformation of the bilateral relationship. Straface noted that "a relationship that was historically destined to be an unavoidable conflict, we were able to transform into an indispensable partnership, and then we evolved into an inevitable association."
However, he cautioned against the risk of this relationship devolving into "strategic indifference," emphasizing the importance of ensuring that ongoing public and private relations are meaningful and transcend any potential gaps arising from personal affinities. In this regard, Straface stressed the crucial role of universities and expert centers like the CIG in overcoming short-term challenges by developing leaders and policymakers who understand the contexts and relevance of strategic bilateral and multilateral agendas.
A cooperation agenda for the future
The conference highlighted the complexity and richness of the Argentina-Brazil relationship, emphasizing both the achievements made and the challenges ahead. The experts' reflections concurred on the need to maintain a constructive and ongoing dialogue, adapting to the new realities of the global order.
As a complement to this academic reflection, the CIG will develop its immersion program in Brazil, which includes visits and meetings during an intensive week in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia with the main actors of the Argentina-Brazil bilateral agenda.
