Imperialism in Portuguese
American Imperialism Defined
With the end of the dictatorships of the 70s (and the 80s) that were imposed in several countries in this region, and after the economic stagnation during the 80s, a reaction was initiated in these countries. In large part of them there was a shift to the left for several reasons:
- The violence increased exponentially;
- Drug trafficking has become a problem of huge dimensions;
- Economic inequality increased considerably;
Nothing more correct than these countries in try to look for alternatives so that they could resolve these internal conflicts, away from that country who also was responsible for the large current poverty in this region.
This is a picture from Colombia, the biggest allied of U S in South America.
Countries such as Chile managed to re-establish itself economically and is currently the country with the best social indicators in South America. Argentina, after being cruelly abandoned by the United States, discovered that the Brasil could be the "salvation" for their economy (though still remain many problems to be solved in between those two countries.
However, left-wing populist leaders, whether by administrative disability, or because of other populist influence, decided to attack Brazil.
As you know, Brazil is the largest country in South America (190 million and a GDP of USD 1 trillion), and therefore, has a huge domestic market, has an industrial park involved, is a major exporter of commodities and great an investment capacity. In addition, recent discoveries of oil reserves (it is estimated that those could reach in 80 billion oil barrels – and this is leaving some of those countries worried).
Countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay and Venezuela are increasingly look with suspicion in Brazil. It would be justifiable?
Let's see, shall we?:
Brazil depends on Bolivia's natural gas. After Brazil have made an agreement with that country and financed the construction of a pipeline and oil refiners, the Bolivian president decided, after all the works have been built, "took" the refineries, putting its armed forces in refineries and offering a "compensatory amount." President Lula, not to create a serious conflict between countries, decided to ignore the fact.
Evo Morales
Recently, the Ecuadorian president decided it would not pay a loan of nearly $ 300 million dollars to the Brazilian government. This deeply irritated the Lula's government because the announcement of the Ecuadorian president was not done through diplomatic means, but through the media. The result? Brazil froze investments in that country (a total of USD 700 million resources to be used in social areas).
Correa
The newly elected Paraguayan president, as well has encouraging invasions of Brazilians farms in that country, is ignoring the fact that Brazilians are being killed there. Again, there was a hardening of the Brazilian government, which is doing very military exercises near the Paraguayan border (including an "accidentally" invasion twice).
But in the case Paraguay there is an even bigger problem: it was Brazil who built and financed the construction of Itaipu. This dam (which is still the largest in the world) is situated on the border of those countries. Paraguay requires the revision of agreements on prices and a substantial upgrade of tariffs for electricity sold to Brazil. Paraguay provided USD 50 million dollars, while Brazil gave USD 12 billion.
As you can see, it's not a "society" in which both partners are equivalent. The compensation that the Paraguayans are demanding are too high and they are very are inflexible (they want one billion dollars per year).
Because of the importance of Itaipu for Brazil (50% of the generated energy comes from there), it is very likely that Brazil will become more aggressive. There is a fear in the Paraguayan press that have already published that Brazil sends soldiers well equipped for hydroelectric.
Fernando Lugo
But do you know what all the rulers of these countries have in common? Very close relations with Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. South America has two great leaders: Hugo Chávez and Lula. The recent discoveries of huge reserves of oil in the Santos Basin in Brazil, unbalanced the forces in South America.
Chavez feels threatened, especially since the price of a barrel of oil is too low and he is seeing the economy of his country has steadily worsened.
Hugo Chávez
Of course, the Brazilian economy is experiencing a surge in enviable economic growth, but that is enough for leaders of countries that are facing greater difficulties in looking to Brazil as a threat.
Every populist government knows (or thinks he knows) how to handle much of its population. And now that the United States is temporarily solving its problems (economic and two wars), it seems that Brazil is the "common enemy".
Many of these populist leaders claim "imperialists now speak Portuguese."
Pathetic. And very dangerous!
