Brazil’s foreign policy challenges grow with economy

While the economy remains the top priority, the new Brazilian government’s relations with other foreign powers appear increasingly important. No more so than with Washington and Brazil’s Latin American neighbours.

Despite the unusual sight of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Dilma Rousseff’s Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez only being yards from each other at the inauguration event, everyone was warm smiles.

The new Brazilian president has already signalled she will adopt a tougher stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, an issue which caused problems with Washington last year.

A recent dispute with Rome after outgoing president Lula da Silva refused to extradite former Italian guerrilla Cesare Battisti could also continue to cause problems. What seems clear, however, is that as Brazil’s economic might grows so does its diplomatic clout.

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