Notícias
30 YEARS OF CONSTITUTION
Constitution helped expand relations between Brazil and the world
International relations are one of the fundamental principles established in the Brazilian Constitution - Photo: Social Mercosur - Credit: Photo: Social Mercosur
In establishing the principles for diplomatic relations with other countries, the Federal Constitution of 1988 created the framework under which Brazil seeks to interact in an increasingly integrated world where physical borders are often a mere formality.
Among the premises of our diplomatic relations are national independence, the prevalence of human rights, the defence of peace, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the repudiation of terrorism and racism. Three decades after its promulgation, the Constitution continues to reflect the concerns of a country attentive to the issues that most afflict the planet.
“This position of the Constitution on international relations has new concerns, completely different from all other previous Brazilian Constitutions that were concerned only with the issue of sovereignty. This is one more reason why I understand that our Constitution, now at the age of 30, is a citizen and mature constitution," says public policy expert Emerson Masullo.
Partnerships
The current scenario shows that Article 4 of the Constitution has succeeded in guiding the country's foreign relations, especially with the neighbouring nations of Latin America, thus, fulfilling a determination of the Constitution itself.
“Brazil has sought to develop cooperation with Latin American countries, also in the context of the economic area, not only in the political-social context. We have a lot of partnerships with the countries of Latin America, especially in the context of our economy, in the distribution of production, in industry. This is very clear in the Brazilian economy and geopolitics," says the political science professor.
Results
Today, a series of agreements and treaties focused on economics, politics, culture, science, the environment, peace and human rights are an integral part of Brazil's foreign policy. Brazil maintains bilateral relations with dozens of countries spread all over the globe.
It is through the principles established by the Constitution that today the country integrates, for example, Mercosur, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and BRICS - a group that brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.