Julia E. Sweig discusses Brazil's women's affairs minister, Eleonora Menicucci.

Brazil's rapid economic growth has transformed the country into a new global heavyweight, but Brazil must not let an overly ambitious foreign policy agenda distract it from lingering domestic challenges.

A remarkably accessible portrait of Cuba's unique place on the world stage over the past fifty years, including its internal politics, its often fraught relationship with the United States, and its shifting relationship with the global community.

Julia E. Sweig explores the contrast between the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions in diversity and culture.

Julia Sweig surveys the 2012 presidential campaign narratives and the United States' love-hate relationship with the wealthy.

Julia E. Sweig explores what the political crisis unfolding in Paraguay means for Brazil and its regional leadership.

Julia E. Sweig analyzes expectations and measurements of success at this week's G-20 Summit in Mexico and Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil.

Julia E. Sweig dissects the international quandary over the humanitarian implications of violence in Syria.

Julia E. Sweig analyzes President Obama's historic announcement in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Julia E. Sweig discusses U.S. senator Marco Rubio's foreign policy positions and their significance if he is chosen as Republican Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate.

Julia E. Sweig measures the balance between market and state in a review of David Rothkopf's latest book, Power, Inc.: The Epic Rivalry between Big Business and Government and the Reckoning that Lies Ahead.

Julia E. Sweig discusses Brazil's women's affairs minister, Eleonora Menicucci.

Julia Sweig explains the significance of Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff's first visit to the United States.

Julia E. Sweig discusses Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney and why his candidacy has struggled to gain traction.

Under President Raul Castro, Cuba has begun economic and political reforms while bolstering ties with Brazil and the Vatican. But Washington has failed to seize on opportunities for expanding relations, says CFR's Julia E. Sweig.

Julia E. Sweig analyzes Rick Santorum's candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, once regarded as a marginal long-shot and which has surprisingly caught fire among Republican primary voters, and why Santorum is now running neck and neck with establishment-candidate Mitt Romney.

Julia E. Sweig reviews Hal Weitzman's Latin Lessons.

Julia E. Sweig analyzes the significance of the first-ever Communist Party Conference in Cuba.

Julia E. Sweig discusses Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff's upcoming visit to Cuba.

Julia E. Sweig discusses Republican Party primary candidate Newt Gingrich's reference in a recent campaign speech to Saul Alinsky and American exceptionalism.

This Independent Task Force finds that Brazil is a significant international actor whose influence on global issues is likely to increase and recommends that U.S. policymakers and others recognize its global standing and work with Brazil to develop complementary policies. This report is also available in Portuguese.

Having just returned from Cuba's Communist Party Congress, Council on Foreign Relations' Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies, Julia Sweig, shares her analysis of the political and economic reforms introduced by Raul Castro.

As Cuba's Communist Party convenes this weekend for the first time in fourteen years, President Raul Castro will look to clarify and gain support for economic reforms. CFR's Julia Sweig says the country has made significant strides toward modernization and suggests the United States should amend its restrictive Cuba policies.