IPRIS

By Paulo Gorjão

Stewart Patrick's article about Brazil's diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis Iran and the implications regarding Brasília's chances for a permanent UN Security Council seat should be read carefully. His main argument is that Brazil's "unpredictable behavior" and "anti-Americanism" might have diminished Brasília's support in the US. And he warns -- a sort of threat -- that "Washington must be confident that any new permanent members will behave as responsible stakeholders". In others words, as it was pointed out by Marcelo Valença (see pp. 2-3), it seems that choices will have to be made, sooner or later.

In other words, choices will have to be made by Brazil, but the US can continue avoiding any commitment regarding a timetable towards the UN reform. Some players must choose a specific diplomatic path, while others are exempt of doing so. Thucydides comes to mind: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must".

Of course, Brazil must conquer US support in order to guarantee a seat in the Security Council. However, US support must not be used as a blackmail device in order to impose diplomatic obedience at all cost.

Moreover, like Mark Twain, "the news of my death has been greatly exaggerated". Stewart Patrick, as well as others, does not need to worry. Brazil's stance towards Iran did no harm as far as its chances for a UN Security Council seat are concerned.

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This article attempts to summarize and analyze the current state of relations between the two countries. It therefore begins with an overview of the current relations between Portugal and Angola, focusing on the existing political cooperation between the governments at a bilateral and multilateral level. Then, the favorable economic climate, with several mutual investment projects already on the ground and others looming on the horizon, is assessed. Finally, this article outlines some policy recommendations regarding specific short and medium-term issues that could – and should – be raised during the visit of President Cavaco Silva and Prime Minister José Sócrates.

See Pedro Seabra and Paulo Gorjão, "Portugal and Angola: Ties that bind?" (IPRIS Policy Brief, No. 4, July 2010).

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The Portuguese Institute of International Relations and Security (IPRIS) is a non-profit and independent NGO, based in Lisbon. IPRIS is an institution dedicated to research on issues of International Relations, with particular interest regarding Portuguese foreign and defense policies. The Institute sponsors research and conferences, and publishes books and periodicals. Our scholars are responsible for conducting research and writing on subjects of their individual knowledge and interest, disseminating the results of their research through publications, organizing and participating in conferences.