Berlin Global Advisors Managing Partner Martin Wiesmann examines in his guest contribution to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung how Brazil leverages its natural resources, economic significance, and multilateral foreign policy to position itself as an independent middle power between the United States and China.

As one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, Brazil possesses considerable strategic advantages. Its rare earth reserves, energy exports, and agricultural sector make it an important partner for Washington, Beijing, and Brussels. At the same time, Brazil faces the persistent challenge of retaining more domestic value creation and developing a broader industrial base.

In foreign policy, Brazil has long pursued strategic autonomy and greater influence within international institutions. While China has become its largest trading partner, the United States remains a key economic and financial partner. The EU offers further opportunities for diversification, particularly through the EU-Mercosur agreement and cooperation on critical raw materials. However, domestic political polarisation and limited regional influence continue to constrain Brazil’s ambitions for international leadership.

Brazil thus raises a central question in our series: Can natural resource wealth deliver lasting strategic autonomy when international dependencies and domestic political divisions continue to limit the country’s room for manoeuvre?

Read Martin Wiesmann’s full guest article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung here: FAZ – Brazil wrestles with itself and its role in the world

Image source: Roque de Sá / Agência Senado / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)