South America has a history of complex geopolitical tensions driven by territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource competition, and regional power dynamics. While the region often seeks cooperation through mechanisms like MERCOSUR and UNASUR, tensions persist in several areas:
Territorial Disputes
- Guyana and Venezuela (Essequibo Region): Venezuela claims about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, a dispute that has escalated due to the discovery of significant offshore oil reserves.
- Bolivia and Chile (Access to the Pacific Ocean): Bolivia continues to seek sovereign access to the Pacific, lost in the War of the Pacific (1879–1884). The International Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that Chile is not obligated to negotiate access, but tensions remain.
- Peru and Ecuador: While a 1998 peace agreement resolved their border war, occasional disputes over natural resource management near the border persist.
Ideological Polarization
- Left vs. Right-Wing Governments: The political landscape is often polarized between left-leaning governments (e.g., Colombia under Gustavo Petro, Chile under Gabriel Boric) and right-leaning or populist administrations (e.g., Brazil under Jair Bolsonaro in the past).
- Regional Fragmentation: Ideological divides hinder regional integration, with countries like Brazil and Argentina taking contrasting stances on trade and foreign relations.
Resource Competition
- Amazon Deforestation and Control: Disputes arise over environmental protection versus economic exploitation of the Amazon basin, involving Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia.
- Lithium Triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile): As global demand for lithium grows (critical for batteries), competition over extraction rights and revenue-sharing increases.
- Oil Politics (Venezuela and Guyana): Venezuela’s oil-rich Orinoco Belt and Guyana’s newfound reserves create both opportunities and disputes over markets and territorial claims.
Regional Power Dynamics
- Brazil’s Influence: As the largest country and economy, Brazil seeks regional leadership but faces pushback, particularly during the Bolsonaro era, when relations with neighbours cooled.
- Argentina vs. Brazil Rivalry: Differences over trade policies and leadership within MERCOSUR have led to periodic tensions.
- Emerging Players: Countries like Chile and Colombia are positioning themselves as influential middle powers, creating a multipolar dynamic in the region.
5. External Influence
- China: Beijing’s investments in infrastructure, energy, and trade have created economic dependencies, but also pushback from nations wary of losing sovereignty.
- United States: The U.S. continues to exert influence, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela, but its sway is increasingly challenged by China and Russia.
- Russia: Military and political support for Venezuela has raised concerns about external meddling in South American politics.
Social and Migration Issues
- Venezuelan Migration Crisis: Millions fleeing Venezuela’s economic collapse have strained neighbouring countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, leading to tensions over border policies and resource allocation.
- Indigenous and Environmental Conflicts: Disputes over land use and indigenous rights often cross borders, particularly in the Amazon and Andes regions.
Security Concerns
- Drug Trafficking: Shared borders between countries like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil facilitate illegal drug trade, complicating bilateral relations and domestic security.
- Militarization: Countries like Venezuela and Colombia maintain heavily armed borders due to ideological and security concerns, leading to periodic skirmishes.
Efforts to manage these tensions include diplomatic mediation through organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and bilateral agreements. However, long-term resolution often depends on economic stability, political alignment, and a balance of regional and external interests.