Geopolitical Dynamics Between Argentina and Brazil: A Focus on the South Atlantic

Argentina and Brazil, two major South American powers, have had complex relationships marked by periods of rivalry and cooperation. This article explores whether there is a geopolitical rivalry between the two nations to control the South Atlantic, and the historical and current context of their relationship.

Historical Context and Rivalry

In the 19th century, Argentina and Brazil were involved in several disputes, the most notable being the War of the Triple Alliance, where they teamed up against Paraguay. Following this war, Uruguay was established as a buffer state to prevent further conflicts between the two nations. After the war, their relationship transitioned into an alliance during the Paraguayan War.

Starting in the 1980s, tensions between Argentina and Brazil began to resurface, particularly due to nuclear arms programs. However, these tensions did not escalate into a full-blown geopolitical rivalry. Instead, the two nations entered into a cooperative agreement, the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Material (ABACC), to jointly oversee and regulate their nuclear programs. The end of these tensions has contributed to a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations.

Current Relationship and Economic Competition

While there is no outright geopolitical rivalry to control the South Atlantic, economic and military competition continues to exist between Argentina and Brazil. Brazil, with its economic rise and strong military capabilities, often competes with Argentina in regional and international affairs. Yet, despite these tensions, Brazil remains a strong supporter of Argentina's claims to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), demonstrating their continued collaborative spirit.

The countries' lack of Pacific coastlines renders the idea of a geopolitical rivalry in the South Pacific, or control of the South Atlantic, largely moot. Argentina, while having a Southern Ocean coastline, has minimal naval presence in this region. Similarly, Brazil, despite its economic might, is more focused on its own priorities, which include internal development and regional influence rather than engaging in hypothetical power plays in the Atlantic.

Conclusion

While Argentina and Brazil have had a complicated historical relationship marked by periods of rivalry and cooperation, there is no significant geopolitical rivalry between the two nations today, especially not over the South Atlantic. Their current relationship is defined by economic and military competition, but also by mutual collaboration and support on various fronts. The geographical absence of a Pacific coastline for both nations further diminishes the likelihood of a geopolitical rivalry in that region.