Brazil was a rotating member of the United Nations Security Council from 2010 through January 2012, and is now vying for a permanent seat. The US, one of five countries with a permanent seat, has backed a similar bid from India, but has not spoken in Brazil’s favor. Some speculate an endorsement for Brazil could hurt US relations with Mexico and Colombia, according to Foreign Policy.
During Obama’s 2011 visit to Brazil he expressed “appreciation” for Brazil’s bid, but didn’t take the conversation further. He isn't seen as likely to make a shift to overt support on this visit.
Brazil, one of the five BRICS nations that are playing an increasingly prominent role on the world stage, took the lead in the UN stabilization mission in Haiti in 2004. But like other BRICS countries, its priorities don't always match those of the West. Brazil abstained on the UN resolution authorizing NATO intervention in Libya and hasn’t supported strong action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, though it has criticized the regime.
Brazil’s reluctance to support international action at the UN may be explained by the country’s view of the international system. Brazil saw the Libya resolution, which brought down Muammar Qaddafi, as a threat, said Mr. Spektor. “It shows that the rules of the game are too easily bent to serve the interests of the most powerful nations, and many people in Brazil think you cannot build an international order that is stable on the back of that kind of behavior,” Spektor said.
