Perspectives from Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela

Atlantic Future Interview Report,  nº. 1

This paper explores the perspectives of Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela on the potential emergency of a pan-Atlantic system of relations beyond the North-North alliance and North South dependency. Interviews were conducted with specialists from various sectors in each of the aforementioned countries. We found a consensus on the perspective that increasing political and economic links between South America and Africa are being established. The increase in Chinese investments in South America and Africa is considered to be determinant to the on-going political and economic transformations taking place in the Atlantic basin. The role of EU is considered relevant, seen as a potential mediator and an actor able to somewhat balance US influence as well as Chinese presence in South America and Africa. Overall, a pan-Atlantic system of relations is not considered to be taking shape. All point out to the (political, social, economic, cultural…) differences found in the South Atlantic itself, as well as in relation to the North. The present findings should be considered by the EU when designing its external policies and initiatives involving Southern countries. It is our assessment that any venture