Salem Nasser: Bolsonaro's diplomacy does not defend the country's interests.

247 - Salem Nasser, a professor of International Law at FGV (Fundação Getúlio Vargas), stated that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, is the typical example of bullying and described his personality as impossible to convince. "If someone wants to explain what bullying is, Trump is a good example; he is the typical bully in his daily behavior. He has that personality that says it's impossible for him to be wrong, you can't convince him, and he makes decisions impulsively," said the professor. 

Nasser also explained Trump's foreign policy method. "The fundamental dynamic is 'I'm a businessman, I'm going to get the best deal out of any situation, and if I feel I'm being harmed by a deal or a treaty, I'm going to take that treaty off the table and impose another one that's more advantageous to me, and that's how I'll demonstrate that I'm a great negotiator.'"

The professor commented on the recent American gestures of alignment with Israel's political positions. "Either he thought the moment was right, or he is acting irresponsibly. These decisions he has made could lead to a final solution that resolves the Palestinian issue and moves towards what Israel has always dreamed of, or it could lead to a tragedy for both American and Israeli interests."

Regarding Brazilian foreign policy, Nasser said that Brazil's internal chaos also has global repercussions. "My perception is that there is a diagnosis of chaos, and widespread chaos cannot translate into order when it comes to foreign policy. There is no reason for foreign policy to be an island of stability."

According to him, current Brazilian diplomacy does not defend the country's interests. "We have a new government that was democratically elected. Foreign policy is made by the president with his Minister of Foreign Affairs; in principle, it should be a state policy. For it to be a state policy, the starting point is that it serves Brazilian interests. The question is whether the choices being made, whether state or ideological, serve Brazilian interests. So I think it doesn't (serve Brazil's interests), from beginning to end."

Salem Nasser believes that President Jair Bolsonaro's unconditional alignment with the United States could prevent Brazil from being internationally recognized as a nation with its own voice and will. Furthermore, the professor believes this is irreparable damage. "I think the damage Brazil suffers from this foreign policy is perhaps something that cannot be recovered; there is incalculable damage."

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