Crisis of hegemony: militarization and Brazil–United States relations (2015–2022)

A relevant portion of the literature on International Relations observes a crisis within the liberal international order, marked by various elements, including the relative decline of the United States and the rise of other global powers. In reaction, the United States is attempting to redefine its hegemony in the global sphere and in Latin America, increasing its defense spending, promoting aggressive rhetoric, new economic programs, and the reaffirmation of defense cooperation and the importance of the Southern Command in its foreign policy. This article questions whether there is a process of militarization of the United States’ foreign policy and how these changes impact military relations between Brazil and the United States. Through this discussion, the article contributes to the analysis of the United States’ reactions to the growing presence of external powers in Latin America. The article is grounded in exploratory and qualitative research, primarily conducted through bibliographic review, consultation of databases, systematization, and collection of information from official websites of the Brazilian and U.S. governments. It is concluded that the process of militarization of US foreign policy involves changes in the implementation of security assistance and indicates a deepening military relationship between Brazil and the United States.