One of the most interesting aspects is that globalization has brought new ways in which countries form partnerships and strategic alliances.

Often, when looking at the geopolitical world, there appears to be any order. The separation between West and East is not as sharp as before. Relations “North-South” (developed versus developing countries), which supposedly oppose these two groups of countries, are not as clear, because during the WTO there was an “ideological” division among developing countries. Even relations between the Western powers are somewhat confusing, as we noted at the meeting of G20, in which European countries have a different position with respect to greater regulation of financial markets.

In this context that is almost schizophrenic some unimaginable alliances before are beginning to emerge. The advance of China in Latin America. The formation of a group by India, Brazil and South Africa! Who imagined those 20 years ago? A possible explanation for these alliances and partnerships is the need to create business opportunities for the economies to grow.

But not only that. The rapprochement between Iran and Brazil is an example. Earlier this year Manouchehr Mottaki, Foreign Minister of Iran, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Celso Amorim. Mistake’s visit was the first of an Iranian minister to Brazil since 1993. According to Celso Amorim, this is a starting point for resumption of bilateral trade arrangements. It was decided that Brazil and Iran will study the financial mechanisms that help the trade and investment in both countries and organizing tasks that can implement the proposals. Moreover, the adjustments were made for the Ahmadinejad’s visit to Brazil.

It was agreed that President Lula will make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as is the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to Brazil, led a large economic delegation and attended by high level authorities of the country. Brazil also promised to lead, with President Lula, a large entourage of businessmen to Iran.

Although Brazil has recently criticized Mahmoud Ahmadinejad because of his statements, apparently the Iranian president will come to Brazil in May to meet with Brazilian president. But what these two countries have in common and how can one help the other?

Brasília

Basically, they both have in common is: they are large producers of oil, support the Palestinian cause, seek new economic partners, want to expand its global influence and are developing nuclear technology.

Regarding the development of nuclear technology is important to clarify some things. The Brazilian nuclear program is more advanced than the Iranian. Brazil already is building a third nuclear plant and, furthermore, is developing technology to build nuclear submarines. Even with the support of France, a country with which Brazil signed an agreement in the defense of US$ 12 billion. It is also known that Brazil is investing in the development of medium range missiles.

Although the Brazilian nuclear intentions cause some discomfort for some countries, Brazil isn’t seen as a threat to the West or even to Latin America. The Brazilians objectives are very clear. The first is to defend the borders and the huge reserves of oil have been found recently.

Tehran

A second goal of Brazil would be seen internationally as a regional power, which means more visibility and the chance to gain new opportunities and that is exactly why the rapprochement between Iran and Brazil can be seen as something “natural.” The Iranian court to Latin America, particularly Brazil, is an effort to break the economic blockade to increase the flow of foreign investment. Moreover, Brazil wants to open new markets in the Middle East, not only for commodities but also for manufactured products.

However, this rapprochement between the two countries might seem that Brazil is validating the Iranian positions. This is not the case. Just take a look at the relationship between Lula and Hugo Chavez. These two leaders in South America are very close, but the truth is that the difference between them is enormous. Lula is seen as moderate and is admired even by Barack Obama, while Chavez, well, do I need to say anything?

Thus, the rapprochement between the two countries is nothing more than an exercise in pragmatism and we all know that in the globalized world, pragmatism is essential for the survival of a nation.