What You Need to Know
• The United States designated Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as “terrorist” groups.
• This designation reflects a convergence of U.S. interventionist policies and the interests of Brazil’s far right.
• Both criminal organizations have existed for decades, with the Primeiro Comando da Capital founded in the early 1990s.
The United States has officially classified Brazil’s two largest criminal organizations, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), as “terrorist” groups. This designation is presented by U.S. officials and Brazilian far-right factions as a necessary measure against the expanding influence of organized crime. However, the classification raises questions about its political motivations, particularly in relation to Brazil’s domestic politics and the ongoing conflict between former President Jair Bolsonaro and current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. While PCC and CV are known for their significant violent activities, the term “terrorism” typically involves politically or ideologically motivated violence, which complicates the rationale behind this designation.
Why It Matters
The classification of PCC and CV as terrorist organizations is significant as it highlights the intersection of U.S. foreign policy and Brazilian politics. Both groups have been recognized threats for years, yet the timing of this designation suggests a strategic alignment with the political objectives of Brazil’s far-right factions. This move also reflects historical patterns of U.S. intervention in Latin America, reminiscent of the Cold War era. Understanding this context is crucial for analyzing the implications of U.S. actions on Brazil’s internal security and political landscape.
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