THE RETURN OF BRAZIL AS THE LOCOMOTIVE OF INTEGRATION

The objectives of this paper are to interpret the ongoing economic disintegration process in South America between 2015 and 2022 and to consider the possibilities of resuming integration efforts after 2023, under a new political scenario. In particular, we will adress three characteristics of the selected period: the paralysis of economic activity in Brazil; the emergence of fragmenting political initiatives, promoted or accompanied by Brazil; and the reduction of economic interdependence between Brazil and its neighbors. These negative circumstances were followed by the growing Chinese presence in the region. In addition to the introduction and the final considerations, the article is divided into five parts: Brazil as the locomotive of integration, between 2003 and 2014; the paralysis of the Brazilian economy post-2015; the abandonment of the Brazilian leadership post-2016; the declining regional trade interdependence; and the possibilities to resume the path of integration in 2023.