The G20 summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro from Monday, marks a critical juncture for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. With his third term symbolizing Brazil’s resurgence in global diplomacy, the event offers an opportunity to solidify Brazil’s voice on pressing issues such as climate change, the Ukraine conflict, and global inequality. Yet, it also underscores the complexities and controversies that have shaped Lula’s international agenda.
When Lula returned to power in 2023 after defeating far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, he promised a renewed era for Brazil on the world stage. Declaring “Brazil is back,” Lula emphasized his administration’s commitment to restoring the country’s diplomatic stature after years of isolation under Bolsonaro.
The Rio summit serves as a platform to further that vision, complementing other major events Brazil will host, such as the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in the Amazon. However, this diplomatic renaissance has faced its share of challenges, including Lula’s controversial stances on Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela.
Lula’s leadership on climate change has been hailed as a significant achievement. Under his administration, deforestation in the Amazon has slowed dramatically, with rates dropping to their lowest levels in nine years by mid-2024, according to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
- Amazon Protection: Strengthened policies to curb illegal logging and mining.
- Global Climate Advocacy: Lula’s government proposed a global fund for forest conservation, urging wealthier nations to contribute.
- Emissions Reduction: Accelerated domestic efforts to cut carbon emissions, reinforcing Brazil’s role as a leader in sustainable development.
This commitment positions Brazil as a counterweight to potential setbacks in global climate policy, particularly if US President-elect Donald Trump withdraws the United States from the Paris Agreement as he has vowed.
“Brazil has made the most progress in this area,” said Roberto Goulart Menezes, deputy director of the Institute of International Relations at Brasília University. “It reinforces Lula’s image as a global environmental leader.”
Lula’s approach to global diplomacy has emphasized building bridges between the West and the Global South. His return to power restored Brazil’s reputation as a consensus-builder and a reliable partner, according to Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
- China Relations: Brazil has deepened its relationship with China, its largest trading partner, reflecting Lula’s commitment to representing emerging markets.
- Engaging with Rich Nations: While championing the interests of developing countries, Lula has sought common ground with Western nations, fostering a balanced diplomatic approach.
Michael Shifter, an expert at the Inter-American Dialogue, noted that Lula’s return has undeniably marked Brazil’s reemergence on the international stage. However, he also highlighted instances where Lula’s diplomacy has faltered, especially regarding Ukraine and Gaza.
Lula has faced criticism for his ambiguous stance on the Ukraine war. In May 2022, he controversially suggested that both Ukraine and Russia bore responsibility for the conflict. While he later condemned Russia’s violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, doubts about Brazil’s neutrality resurfaced in 2024 when Lula and Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed peace talks that did not demand Russia relinquish occupied territories.
Former diplomat Paulo de Almeida attributed Lula’s position partly to his “anti-Americanism,” which aligns with his broader skepticism of Western hegemony.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has also tested Lula’s diplomatic acumen. By accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza and drawing comparisons to the Holocaust, Lula sparked outrage in Israel, leading both countries to withdraw their ambassadors. While this position resonates with countries like South Africa, it has alienated key allies in the West.
Lula’s handling of Venezuela’s political crisis has been another point of contention. While he refused to recognize President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed third-term victory, he has not backed the opposition’s claims of election fraud or actively sought to mediate the situation.
“Venezuela is a lost opportunity for Lula,” said Shifter, emphasizing the absence of a clear strategy to support democratic transition in the country.
As Lula prepares to host the G20 summit and other high-profile events, his administration aims to showcase Brazil’s renewed relevance on the global stage. The summit agenda aligns closely with Lula’s priorities: fostering inclusive economic growth, combating climate change, and advocating for a multipolar world order.
- Climate Diplomacy: The summit provides a platform to advance Brazil’s environmental initiatives, particularly the proposed forest conservation fund.
- Global Inequality: Lula is likely to champion the interests of the Global South, emphasizing the need for fairer trade policies and equitable vaccine distribution.
- Geopolitical Balance: Navigating tensions between Western powers and emerging economies will test Lula’s ability to broker consensus.
While Lula’s leadership has elevated Brazil’s profile, his polarizing positions could limit his effectiveness in rallying global support. Balancing his advocacy for developing nations with the expectations of traditional allies remains a delicate task.
