Cooperation between Brazil and Colombia to strengthen South America, reduce U.S. influence in Amazon

The growing partnership between Brazil and Colombia is bolstering South American influence and reducing the role of the United States in the state of Amazonas, according to Adriana Marques, a professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

This assessment follows a visit by members of the Colombian War College to the region aimed at strengthening ties with Brazil.

Marques believes that Brazil stands to benefit significantly from this collaboration with its Amazonian neighbor.

The Combifron, established in 2012, has primarily focused on combating organized crime, but Brazil and Colombia now aim to innovate by prioritizing the defense of biodiversity and the environment.

Colombia, experiencing a new political phase, has shifted its Armed Forces’ focus from drug trafficking and fighting the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to investing in environmental protection.

The country has created dedicated military structures and battalions to address this issue. Brazil intends to follow a similar path by integrating environmental concerns into the defense agenda and viewing it as a cross-cutting theme.

Marques suggests that this military cooperation between Brazil and Colombia raises concerns among experts regarding U.S. influence in the Amazon region.

The United States has historically allied with the Colombian Armed Forces in South America.

However, Marques believes the partnership with Brazil undermines Washington’s influence under the current Bogotá government, alleviating fears of U.S. interventionism in the Amazon.

Brazil and Colombia share a lengthy border in the Amazon region, spanning approximately 1,642.5 kilometers.

The Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2008 governs military cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

One of the most successful initiatives resulting from this cooperation is the Combifron.

The presidents of Brazil and Colombia are committed to strengthening defense cooperation to enhance bilateral ties.

Following Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s election as Brazil’s president in October 2022, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his intention to forge “close relations” with Brazil, with a specific focus on protecting the Amazon.