A securitização das mudanças climáticas no Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas (2010-2023) e o Brasil: uma análise do discurso pelo jogo de dois níveis

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine Brazil's position during the negotiations on the securitization of climate change in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the periods of 2010-2011 and 2022-2023. The study assumes the hypothesis that the increased attention devoted by the UN Security Council to the issue did not alter Brazil’s position, which remained resistant to climate securitization because it views the Council as an insufficiently representative and hierarchical forum, inadequate for addressing matters the country frames as development issues. To explain this behavior, the study proposes the joint application of securitization theory from the Copenhagen School, and Putnam's (2010) two-level game theory. Methodologically, the study is qualitative, based on a literature review, an instrumental case study, and discourse analysis. It examines speeches and statements by Brazilian representatives and other council members, as well as remarks by Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, collected from the official websites of the Federal Government and the United Nations. The results indicate that Brazil, although recognizing the seriousness of climate change, does not frame it as a security threat. Within UNSC, three coalitions with distinct positions on climate securitization (favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable) are identified, debating mainly the Council´s mandate to act – or not – on the issue. Brazil's position consistently remained opposed in this debate. The country maintained (and still maintains) the view that other forums, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), are more representative and appropriate to address the issue as a matter of sustainable development. The Brazilian government does not support climate securitization practices and demonstrates consistency between its external actions and its internal defense guidelines, as climate concerns are not incorporated into the National Defense Policy and Strategy. The study concludes that Brazil acts in a systematically contrary manner to the securitization of climate change in the Security Council.