Counterterrorism in Brazil: Preparedness to Host the World Cup and Olympics

Abstract

Brazil “appears set on a course that could make it a major player among the great powers by the 2030s.” In fact, Brazil could become a major player even sooner. In addition to its growing economic strength, Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Brazil continues to emerge as a world leader, but its laws lag behind, particularly in the arena of national security.There has never been a major, widespread terrorist attack in Brazil. While this may help explain why Brazil does not have special counterterrorism procedures or even a defined crime of terrorism in their criminal code, it does not immunize Brazil from attack. A similar instance lies in the 2003 bombings in Turkey. Despite being neutral towards the war in Iraq, al- Qaeda operatives bombed two synagogues, an embassy, and a bank all within a two-week span, killing several people and injuring hundreds. One of the terrorists responsible for the HSBC Bank bombing allegedly told Epoca, a Brazilian news magazine, that he committed the attack because Istanbul was the easiest and nearest place to retaliate against those responsible for the Iraqi War. Terrorists attack indiscriminately and without regard for the innocent and inculpable.This comment will highlight and analyze the weaknesses in Brazil’s counterterrorism policy. Brazil relies heavily upon the United States to account for its seeming lack of will to enact effective legislation. The first section of this comment will show that, while Brazil has not been the target of international terrorist acts, its emergence as a great Western power will lead to an increased likelihood of attack. This is especially true due to the problem of surrounding countries with terrorist activity. Next, this comment explores Brazil’s counterterrorism framework, with particular focus on Brazil’s lack of both a counterterrorism bill and a bill geared towards combating terrorist financing. Additionally, the adequacies of Brazil’s recently improved anti-money laundering bill will by analyzed. Finally, this comment will briefly look into past and future Olympic hosts in an effort to show the preparation and skill required in hosting the Olympic Games. While Brazil hosted the Pan American Games in 2007, the challenges its government will face in hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics will be like nothing they have dealt with before. As the upcoming host of these major worldwide events, Brazil must be prepared to not only fight illegal smuggling across its borders and its inner-city drug gangs, but they must also ensure the attractiveness of its country to tourists by providing a safe environment for its visitors.