“…Scholars emphasize that Brazilian development assistance aims at consolidating the country's role as the leader of South America while increasing its leverage in international organizations (Cabral & Weinstock, ; De Renzio, 2014; ODI, 2010; Suyama, Waisbich, & Leite, ). However, a shift from political and diplomatic gains to stronger commercial interests has recently occurred under Rousseff's administration, with a close nexus between cooperation, trade, and investment (Suyama et al, ). For Russia, the appeal to cultural ties comes together with deep diplomatic and commercial interests (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, 2014).…”