What were the effects of the Falklands/Malvinas War on Anglo-Brazilian diplomatic and defence relations between 1982-1985?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25062/1900-8325.4977Keywords:
Anglo-Brazilian relations, Falklands/Malvinas War, geopolitics, international relations, South AtlanticAbstract
The Falklands/Malvinas War (FMW), the most recent conflict in the South Atlantic, is predominately studied in relation to its combatant nations. However, as this article demonstrates, the FMW (April-June 1982) had significant repercussions for Anglo-Brazilian diplomatic and defence relations. At the time, Argentina was governed by a military junta (1976-1983), which led the country into war, resulting in a decisive defeat and the eventual collapse of the regime. In contrast, the United Kingdom’s victory strengthened the Conservative government under Thatcher, reversing its declining political fortunes. The FMW also affected Brazil’s foreign and defence policies. Under military dictatorship since 1964, Brazil had recently improved relations with Argentina following President Figueiredo’s 1980 visit to Buenos Aires. While Brazil’s historical ties with the UK were positive, its 20th-century.
Author Biography
Maísa Edwards, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
Ph.D. in international relations, King’s College London (KCL) and University of São Paulo; M.Sc. Brazil in global perspective, KCL, and BA(Hons) French and Spanish, University College London. Her research focuses on Brazilian diplomatic and defence relations, zones of peace, maritime security and South American-African modern history.
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