Brazil-US geopolitical tensions and international norms

Celso Amorim, special advisor to the Presidency of Brazil, has expressed growing concern regarding the erosion of international rules and norms. He described the current global landscape as “a world in the flesh,” noting that the breakdown of established frameworks is occurring across multiple sectors, including the military sphere. Amorim cited the conflict in Palestine, U.S. actions in Venezuela, and trade tariffs from the Trump administration as indicators of global instability.

As the situation progressed, Amorim specifically criticized the ‘Escudo das Américas’ security alliance, led by the United States, labeling it a “siege on Brazil.” He argued that the initiative uses the pretext of combating organized crime to impose regional domination.

The Brazilian government has voiced opposition to the U.S. classification of domestic criminal factions as international terrorist organizations, fearing such designations could facilitate U.S. interventions and lead to sanctions against Brazilian companies. Amorim further characterized recent U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products as a “measure of intimidation” against the Lula administration.