Percepções no Brasil sobre o conflicto colombiano e de seus reflexos regionais e nas relações bilaterais: uma visão preliminar

This article analyzes the growing importance that regional issues have acquired for the Brazilian government during the past several years. In particular, the author discusses this country’s concerns with the Colombian conflict in terms of its effects upon bilateral relations and the growing regional influence of the United States. The text is divided into three sections that attempt to identify the principal governmental and societal perceptions in Brazil about the Colombian conflict; to examine the main concerns that the conflict raises in terms of border regions and defense issues; and to discuss perceptions concerning the implications of the conflict for Brazilian-Colombian bilateral relations and regional dynamics in general.