A Study On The Change Of Brazilian Diplomatic Policy - Making Mechanism Around The 21st Century

The past decade at the beginning of the21st century has witnessed an inexorablerise of emerging economies. Brazil, as a member of BRICS and the biggest power inSouth America, has been played an increasingly important role in the regional andinternational affairs with its strong economic growth and pragmatic foreign policy.Brazil actively readjusts its diplomatic strategy, including pursuing the comprehensiverelationship with African countries and China, and seeking a permanent seat on theUN Security Council. Such new foreign policies are caused by the change of Brazil’sforeign decision-making mechanism, which means the core of diplomaticdecision-making has shifted from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the president. Thischange is a consequence of three factors: Brazilian leader has reassessed itsinternational status with democratization in international relations and economicglobalization; an increasing number of actors, including parliaments, parties, privatesectors and social communities are influencing foreign-policy making with theeconomic growth and political democratization; and President Cardoso and Lula hasbeen established the presidential diplomacy with the charismatic personality and thedistinguished ability to balance the bureaucracy. Based on the analysis of changes inBrazilian foreign policy-making mechanism, we are able to understand the directionof Brazil’s China policy by seeking common grounds while resolving difference so asto deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil, andcreate a favorable international environment for China peaceful rise.