Consider the case of Brazil, which in many ways embodies this paradox. Brazil voted in favour of Palestinian statehood at the UNGA on November 29, indeed making a strong declaration of support for the end of the blockade of Gaza and denouncing the “inoperative Quartet and silent Security Council”. While this brought much “sadness and disappointment” to the government of Israel, it is doubtless consoled by Brazil’s warm commitment to co-operating with Israel’s security industry, reiterated earlier that month.
Brazil, which was the fifth largest importer of Israeli arms between 2005 and 2010, has been a profitable ally to Israeli security companies. Elbit Systems and Israeli Aerospace Industries now provide Brazil with automated turrets, drones and perimeter defence systems that control the favelas (Brazil’s poor urban neighbourhoods) without putting Brazilian soldiers at risk, according to Hever.
“Countries with extreme inequality (Brazil, India, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, etc) seem to be the natural market for homeland security products. This is where technology can be used to repress impoverished people, enraged about the inequality and exploitation,” said Hever.
And while contracts have not yet been awarded, Israel is expected to be Brazil’s top choice as it prepares its estimated $3bn worth of security projects for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Providing “security” for these mega-sports events really means sweeping the host city “clean” of the unattractive indigent communities that make their homes there. (Charlotte Silver) More here.