A participação da Marinha do Brasil na missão de paz da ONU no Líbano: implicações político – estratégicas

Abstract

In February 2011 Brazil took over command of the Maritime Task Force(MTF)in United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon(UNIFIL), hence becoming the first non European country to assume that leadership role in the MediterraneanSea. At first, this paper explores their increasing participation in Peacekeeping Operations in light of the theory of International Relations, emphasizingstructural realism and the neoliberal approach. Brazil appears to havechosen this path in order to build up prestige within the UN,and perhaps raise support for long-desired ambition regarding a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Their diplomats are respected global security and multilateralism advocates. But, without hard power, are these credentials enough? Brazilian Navyhas kept an unprecedented record of five years in charge of the maritime component of the mission, while operating jointly with other relevant actors and enhancing regional maritime security. Thus, we examinethe impact ofeconomic factors, such as natural gas resources, in the midst of such regional turmoil. All of this transformation isdriven by a simultaneous intensification of regime change in the Middle East, the United States of America(USA) hegemonic rolewith regards to its energetic security, and the rise of Islamic State’s steam towards Syria, Turkey and even Israel. Albeit a growing interconnectedness is found in betweenNational Defense Policy and Strategy andforeign relations objectives, the absence of a transgovernmentalagenda may require an upgrading of the conflicting dimensionamongthese policies. This study analysis the political and strategic implications of BN participation in UNIFIL and takes stock of the existing policies and instruments in the defense and foreign relations domain. Based on this analysis, the study suggests that Brazil requires a Lead-Nation approach towards UNIFIL, focusing on increasing the perception of honest broker. Furthermore, it lacks a comprehensive foreign relationsstrategy that creates synergies between the NDP and Brazil’s State objectives. On conclusion, the revisionist urge for an UNSC enlargement is considered to be unaffected by Brazilian effort towards peacekeeping operations.