On 30 May 2023, twelve South American leaders met in Brasilia for the first regional summit in nine years (source). The summit sought to discuss issues of cooperation, especially in security, energy and trade. It is also an attempt by Brazilian President Lula da Silva to revitalise previously failed regional integration efforts (source). This is due to the continent’s political instability and polarization. However, Lula perceives an opportunity for integration given the political affinities of the region’s current governments. This summit also aimed to assess support for a revitalisation of the Union of South American Nations or Unasur (source).
Javier Sutil Toledano
Javier is an Intelligence Analyst specialising in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. He graduated in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. He recently graduated from an International Master’s Degree in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies.