THE COMPETITION THAT CANNOT BE: BRASIL, MEXICO AND THE LEADERSHIP IN LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

This article wants to analyze the great differences between Brazil and Mexico through an analysis tool called “power typology” about regional and middle powers, of Detlef Nolte. To make it operational, Nolte determines that the study should be done according to three basic criteria of analysis: Economic Policy, Foreign Policy and Defense Policy. Finally, the analysis concludes that Brazil’s foreign policy and its actions outside are more ambitious comparing to Mexico, which decreases the leadership of this last country in the region. The leadership of Brazil is legitimized in the region, considering Mexico as a potential strategic partner to help counteract the U.S. intervention in the southern hemisphere of America.