Brazil-Venezuela relations: international images in perspective

Brazil and Venezuela have maintained some kind of international contact since the early 19th century, which enabled to think of a strategic partnership for the 21st century. The aim of this paper is to unravel the historical evolution of Brazilian-Venezuelan bilateral relations. One may wonder what is the role played by images in definning moments of proximity or distance between the two? The hypothesis is that perceptions and views from others emanating from the foreign ministries and societies are became elements of power once they interfere in the strategic calculations of statesmen. These interpretation was based on primary and secondary sources, both from Brazil and Venezuela, diplomatic and official documents, press articles and books.