Brazil’s intensifying focus on combating transnational organized crime represents a significant shift in its foreign policy and a potentially powerful development for global security architecture. Recent initiatives, including the establishment of multilateral coalitions and a surge in international cooperation agreements, indicate a deliberate and coordinated strategy aimed at confronting a persistent and evolving threat. This effort, underpinned by significant legal and institutional reforms, demands careful observation and analysis, particularly as it intersects with geopolitical dynamics and the increasingly complex nature of illicit activities.
The Brazilian government’s declared commitment to tackling organized crime is manifested in a series of targeted actions. A key component is the development of a cohesive, integrated strategy within the MERCOSUR bloc. As evidenced by the proposed “Strategy against Organized Crime,” the ambition is to consolidate and coordinate the regional response to criminal organizations, recognizing that the transnational dimension of this challenge necessitates robust collaboration. “This strategic integration is crucial,” states Dr. Isabella Ferreira, a senior fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies in Brasília, “because organized crime rarely operates within national borders; it thrives on interconnected networks and the exploitation of weak governance.” The MERCOSUR Common Market Council’s approval of these proposals signifies a growing understanding of the need for regional cooperation, moving beyond traditional trade agreements to encompass critical security concerns.
Beyond MERCOSUR, Brazil is actively engaging in a global network of partnerships. The formation of the “Coalition for Multilateral Action against Environmental Crimes” – launched at a Rio de Janeiro meeting – reflects a recognition of the inextricable link between environmental degradation and organized crime. This coalition, predicated on the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention), signals a proactive approach to addressing illicit activities like illegal logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking. “Environmental crimes are increasingly sophisticated and linked to broader patterns of organized crime,” explains Marcus Silva, a researcher specializing in environmental security at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. “The scale of these operations requires international cooperation to effectively disrupt them.”
Brazil's legal framework for international cooperation has also undergone substantial reform. The signing of the constitutive treaty of AMERIPOL in 2023 represents a cornerstone of this effort, facilitating enhanced police cooperation across the Americas. Furthermore, the government is pursuing agreements with key partners, including the European Union (an agreement currently slated for 2025), the United Nations, and several individual nations – notably Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, India, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The election of a Brazilian citizen, Federal Police Delegate Valdecy Urquiza, as Secretary-General of INTERPOL – the first from a developing nation – is a particularly notable development, signifying a broader shift in global security leadership and highlighting Brazil’s growing role in international policing. The expansion of the Federal Police’s presence abroad, increasing attaché offices to 34 across five continents, further solidifies this commitment.
The government’s specific focus on combating organized crime within the Amazon region is particularly relevant. The establishment of the Special Commission on Public Security of the ACTO (Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization) and the creation of the Amazon International Police Cooperation Center (CCPI-Amazônia) demonstrate a targeted strategy to address criminal activities exploiting the region’s vulnerability. “The Amazon represents a critical frontier in the fight against organized crime,” argues Professor Ricardo Mendes, an expert in Amazonian security at the University of São Paulo. “The region’s vastness and weak governance make it a prime target for illicit actors, and Brazil’s concentrated efforts to combat these activities are essential for regional and global security.”
Looking ahead, several potential outcomes can be anticipated. In the short term (next 6 months), we can expect to see continued momentum in the implementation of existing agreements and the further expansion of Brazil’s international police network. The EU agreement on police cooperation and the ratification of UN conventions will provide a legal foundation for enhanced collaboration. More broadly, the Coalition for Multilateral Action against Environmental Crimes will likely serve as a testing ground for new approaches to tackling transnational crime.
In the longer term (5–10 years), Brazil’s role as a key player in global security is likely to become even more pronounced. The success of its integrated strategy will depend on several factors, including the sustained political will of the Brazilian government, the effectiveness of its institutions, and the capacity of its police forces. However, given the scale of the challenge and the increasing sophistication of organized crime networks, Brazil’s efforts will undoubtedly be met with significant hurdles. “The fight against transnational crime is a marathon, not a sprint,” notes Dr. Ferreira. “Brazil’s sustained commitment and the evolution of its strategic approach will be crucial to its long-term success.” The evolving dynamics of the Amazon region, with its unique challenges and opportunities, will also play a significant role in shaping the future trajectory of this effort.