Dilma Rousseff on Barack Obama
TL;DR
Dilma Rousseff's view of Barack Obama transitioned from initial partnership to profound distrust following US surveillance revelations.
Key Points
She canceled a planned 2013 trip to Washington following the Edward Snowden revelations regarding NSA surveillance of her communications.
During a 2015 joint conference, she stated trust was restored after the US government stated it would cease intrusive spying on friendly countries.
In 2011, the leaders issued a joint statement elevating major dialogues to the Presidential level, including the Global Partnership Dialogue.
Summary
Dilma Rousseff's relationship with Barack Obama was characterized by an initial effort to establish a strong partnership between the two nations, framed as equals on the global stage. Early interactions, such as Obama's visit to Brazil in March 2011, aimed to forge cooperative agreements across various sectors including defense, energy, and education, reinforcing Brazil's role as a major global player rather than merely a regional one. Both leaders expressed mutual respect and a desire to work together on global issues like climate change and reforming international institutions, with Obama acknowledging her political strength domestically.
However, this initial cooperation was severely damaged by the 2013 revelations of NSA spying on Rousseff's communications, which led her to dramatically cancel a planned trip to the US and publicly condemn the acts as a breach of international law. Although she later resumed high-level engagement, attending a state visit in June 2015, her stance reflected deep skepticism regarding trust, demanding assurances that intrusive spying on friendly nations would cease. While she acknowledged Obama's subsequent assurances and a willingness to move forward, the episode fundamentally shifted the dynamic to one defined by an initial camaraderie complicated by a severe breach of confidence.
Key Quotes
It is not possible, Mr. President, to delay this any more. The world needs a Security Council that reflects the contemporary reality we're living in, a council that includes new permanent and non-permanent members.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary issue that strained the relationship between Dilma Rousseff and Barack Obama was the revelation of widespread NSA surveillance on her private communications. This spying scandal caused Rousseff to postpone a planned state visit to the United States in 2013 due to a profound breach of trust.
Initially, yes, they cultivated a relationship aimed at treating Brazil as an equal global partner, resulting in productive meetings and several bilateral agreements. However, the relationship became deeply strained by the espionage revelations, leading to a more cautious and complex dynamic afterward, even after attempts to mend ties.
Dilma Rousseff condemned the NSA spying, calling it a breach of international law which prompted her to cancel a prior visit to the US. Following subsequent assurances from President Obama that such intrusive acts against allies would stop, she publicly stated she believed him and felt conditions had become very different by 2015.
Sources7
The President's News Conference With President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil
Joint Statement by President Rousseff and President Obama
Brazilian president's visit to US will not include apology from Obama for spying
Dilma Rousseff - Obama Presidency Oral History
U.S., Brazil 'Disagree More Than They Agree,' Analyst Says | PBS NewsHour
Roundup: U.S.-Brazil Deals Forged during Rousseff's Washington Visit
Mixed Messages from Brazil - Center for American Progress
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.