RELATIONS BETWEEN BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA DURING THE GEISEL GOVERNMENT (1974-1979): THE CASE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ITAIPU HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.5583352319093

• Palavras-chave: 1-) Diplomatic disagreements; 2-) Paraguay; 3-) ``La Plata`` Basin

• Keywords: 1-) Diplomatic disagreements; 2-) Paraguay; 3-) ``La Plata`` Basin

• Abstract:

  The present work is the result of academic research that studied relations between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina in the 1960s and 1970s regarding the construction of the Itaipu binational plant. The period between 1966 and 1979 was marked by controversies involving the three countries, as the Argentine State believed that it would be harmed by the construction of the Brazilian Paraguayan hydroelectric plant. But it was during the Geisel government (1974- 1979) that relations between Brazil and Argentina worsened due to the different interests involved, as the Brazilian government did not accept any external interference in its decisions. The research was carried out with diplomatic documents and periodicals from the three countries. It is concluded that this period delayed the process of regional integration desired by the countries of South America and, after the outcome in 1979, made it possible to bring Brazil and Argentina closer together and would result in the formation of MERCOSUR in 1991.