The Brazilian government adopted a cautious stance regarding the possible classification of Brazilian criminal factions as terrorist groups by the American government. According to analysis by analyst Jussara Soares, in CNN Prime TimeBrazil’s strategy is to avoid direct clashes with the United States and gain time to debate the issue.
Itamaraty’s reaction has been described as a “non-reaction”, with instructions not to escalate the diplomatic noise. There is an assessment within the Brazilian government that this issue is being sponsored by the opposition, specifically by the Bolsonarist right. The priority at this time is to remove tensions with the USA and preserve the recently established channel of dialogue between .
“Don’t escalate, don’t react, don’t hold this debate on social media, don’t issue public statements”, explained Jussara.
Defense of national sovereignty
Brazil’s main argument against classifying factions as is not related to the refusal to combat organized crime, but rather to the possible consequences of this designation. According to diplomatic sources, such a classification could open dangerous openings for foreign military intervention and economic sanctions, posing a threat to national sovereignty.
Brazilian Chancellor Mauro Vieira already spoke with Marco Rubio, American Secretary of State, about the subject last Sunday (8). In the conversation, Lula’s promised visit to Trump in the United States was also discussed. The Brazilian strategy follows the same line adopted during the episode of American tariffs on Brazilian products, when the country acted with discretion and managed to open channels of dialogue.
Legislative advances as an argument
Brazil intends to present legislative advances in the fight against criminal organizations to the United States as an argument against terrorist classification. Among the measures highlighted are the , already approved in the National Congress, and the Security PEC, which is in progress.
Furthermore, Lula has already proposed to Trump a partnership to combat organized crime, including arms trafficking and financial crimes. The expectation is that, if the meeting between the two presidents takes place, the Brazilian will be able to present these arguments in person and prevent the issue of criminal factions from damaging the bilateral relationship between the countries.
