Link to Article : Brazil Bolsters Northern Border Amid Venezuelan – Guyana Esequibo Tentions
Brazilian military forces moved in close to the northern border in order to maintain national security. This is in response to the recent dispute over territory in Guyana’s Essequibo region. As it stands, Venezuela claims all land West of the Essequibo river. Meanwhile Guyana refuses to ‘bow’ to these claims. Guyanese officials turn toward the drilling rights that they have given to big oil companies as proof of ownership of the land. Nonetheless there are big disagreements over the land which persuaded the Brazilian military to neutralize there territory that could potentially get caught in a crossfire. These actions have garnered attention from big media outlets because of the potentially negative consequences that it could have on the region. Brazil has gone on record to claim the massive amounts of fire power that has been brought to the border in an attempt to threaten against any forces that could meet them with resistance, in an attempt to protect their rights and sovereignty amidst a confusing altercation. In good faith Venezuela and Guyana vowed not to escalate the situation using any type of brute force. This statement was reaffirmed by Brazilian officials as well. Brazil is attempting to act as a deterrent against any type of negative engagement in the south American region, as well as attempting to protect itself in case of an event that would see harm come to the nation.
It is in the best interest of Brazil to involve itself within this dispute. As a regional power it has the potential to intervene in armed conflict and bring an end to territorial disputes. Reinforcing arms at the northern border is a clear attempt at protecting itself and the other nations involved, desirably in a diplomatic way. If Venezuela was to invade Guyana in pursuit of the resources found in the Essequibo region it would have massive implications in the western hemisphere with the potential of US intervention. Within the maritime realm it is up to the US to keep order and promote stability. If Brazil has the potential to keep the situation at bay, avoiding US intervention, it should very well use its regional influence to do so. This same situation was avoided centuries ago in 1895 between the Venezuelans and the British. Both nations realized that this could be used as a mechanism to avoid future conflict.
The dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has an affect on regional unity. As a regional power it is up to Brazil to maintain peace and stability. Going through strengthening its borders is another possible geopolitical consideration. Brazilian influence spans across borders and with the lucrative economic opportunity that the region brings to the owner it makes sense that they would not want it falling into the hands of Venezuela. Venezuela and Brazil have not had good relations since 2019 and geopolitically Brazil does not want the Essequibo region to fall under their control.