Geopolitics of the Americas: Wake Up, Yankees! — The Brazucas Are in the Game!
- Antonio Carlos Faustino
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Geopolitics of the Americas: The Hemisphere's Power Play That Impacts Energy, Food, and Technology.
Introduction
When you think of the Americas, what comes to mind? For many North Americans, the answer is simple: Caribbean beaches, samba in Brazil, tacos in Mexico, and icy mountains in Canada. But the reality is much more complex. The American continent isn't a collection of postcards—it's one of the most strategic geopolitical game boards on the planet.
The geopolitics of the Americas defines global equilibrium, influences production chains, and directly affects the security of the United States. Whoever controls the Americas controls trade routes, energy reserves, freshwater, and natural resources essential to the survival of modern civilization.
In this article, we'll explore the core elements that make the Americas a vital space in the 21st century: from the Amazon to lithium mines, from Atlantic trade routes to Pacific ports, from diplomatic tensions to military movements. Brace yourself: if you think you know the continent, you're about to discover you know nothing.
What does Geopolitics of the Americas mean?
The term refers to the study of power relations, territorial strategies, and economic and military interests that shape the American continent. It's a game that involves the United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and other key nations , as well as the external influence of powers like China and Russia.
According to Bandeira (2020), “the Americas form a space of permanent dispute, where power is not manifested only by armies, but also by capital, diplomacy and technology.” In other words, understanding this dynamic is essential to predicting global crises and opportunities.
Why are the Americas a strategic board?
1. Territorial extension and natural resources
The continent encompasses everything from the Canadian Arctic to Patagonia. This diversity guarantees access to freshwater, oil, natural gas, biodiversity, and strategic minerals .
2. Prime location
Between the Atlantic and Pacific, the Americas are the logistics corridor of the Western Hemisphere. Controlling their routes means securing power over global supply chains.
3. Energy and food reserves
With immense agricultural fields and energy sources, the continent is essential for global food and energy security (SANTOS, 2023).
Brazil's Role in the Geopolitics of the Americas
Brazil is not only Latin America's largest economy; it is a rising global player. With 8.5 million square kilometers , borders with 10 countries, and most of the Amazon, it exerts a direct influence on environmental and energy security .
Agribusiness: Feeds more than 1 billion people through the export of soybeans, corn and meat.
Energy: It is self-sufficient in oil and a world leader in biofuels.
Freshwater: Contains 12% of the planet's drinking water.
According to Amorim (2022), “ignoring Brazil’s centrality in geopolitics is a strategic mistake, especially for Washington.”
Amazon: asset or vulnerability?
The Amazon isn't just an ecosystem—it's a geopolitical asset . Under the guise of environmental preservation, powers seek to influence the region's internal policies. Beyond biodiversity, the region's richest resources, niobium, rare earths, and water resources , attract global interest.
China: the elephant in the room
While the US hesitates to strengthen ties with Latin America, China is making strides. Investments in infrastructure, 5G technology, and energy are cementing Beijing's position as a dominant player in the global South .
Brazil and Argentina: Strategic partnerships in agribusiness.
Mexico and Central America: Growing presence in construction and telecommunications.
According to Lima (2021), “Chinese influence in the Americas is the greatest since the Cold War, altering the balance of power.”
The New Race for Resources: Lithium, Oil, and Food
With the energy transition, lithium —essential for batteries—has become the new “white gold.” Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina form the Lithium Triangle , a focus of investment and tensions. Furthermore:
Oil: Brazilian pre-salt and Venezuelan PDVSA remain strategic.
Food: The war in Ukraine has reinforced global dependence on Latin American agribusiness.
Security and militarization: the invisible factor
US military bases in the Caribbean, the Amazon under surveillance, NATO discussing cooperation in the South Atlantic. Military presence remains a pillar of US geopolitics to contain external influences and protect trade routes.
The impact for the United States
Why does this matter to you, the American citizen? Because instability in the Americas means a migration crisis, rising fuel prices, inflation, and food insecurity . Furthermore, if China expands its presence on the continent, the US could lose its strategic backyard , as many analysts still call the region.
Future scenarios: integration or conflict?
Regional integration: Mercosur, USMCA and BRICS can redefine economic alliances.
Covert conflicts: Disputes over technology, natural resources and political influence.
Environmental pressure: The Amazon as a “common good of humanity” is a topic that can generate diplomatic clashes.
References:
AMORIM, C. Brazilian foreign policy in the 21st century . São Paulo: Paz e Terra, 2022. BANDEIRA, L. A. Power relations in the Americas . Rio de Janeiro: Civilização Brasileira, 2020. COUTO, R. China and Latin America: new geopolitical paradigms . Brasília: FUNAG, 2022. LIMA, M. Amazon and national sovereignty . Manaus: EDUA, 2021. SANTOS, P. Agribusiness and global food security . Brasília: IPEA, 2023.
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