Director: Julia E. Sweig, Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies and Director for Latin America Studies

PURPOSE

The Global Brazil initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) addresses the domestic, regional, and international dimensions of Brazil's emergence as a world power. Brazil's rise is today well established. Yet even as global challenges increasingly form part of the U.S.-Brazil agenda, the United States faces a glaring deficit in its understanding of Brazil's interests and influence. The scope and importance of Brazil's emergence extends well beyond the U.S.-Brazil relationship. To enhance the quality of public and policy debate on the bilateral and global dimensions of Brazil's rise, the program includes research, consultation, publication, and outreach exploring Brazil's international agenda.

CONTEXT: WHY BRAZIL?

• Brazil's growing influence is evident in trade and finance, global governance, energy, environment, climate change, agriculture, peacekeeping, pandemic disease, and poverty.
• Brazil's increasing prominence on the world stage:
  • 2008, under-water oil reserves discovered, largest find since Kazakhstan's Kashagan field in 2000;
  • 2009, emerged as leader in restructuring global financial architecture;
  • 2009, instrumental in brokering agreement at Copenhagen climate conference;
  • 2010, will have an active voice in redrafting the non-proliferation regime;
  • 2010, $241 billion in foreign exchange reserves, $45 billion foreign direct investment expected;
  • Figures prominently in newly formed emerging power groupings;
  • Competes with China in Africa for influence via investment, trade, capacity-building, and aid.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Global Brazil includes roundtable meetings in New York and Washington; symposia; research and publications; consultations with stakeholders and experts in government and the private sector; and public outreach.

The Global Brazil Roundtable Series

• Convenes thought-leaders, policymakers, and experts in regional and functional areas germane to Brazil's rise;
• Addresses Brazil's role in South American economic and security integration, in reshaping the international financial architecture, and in developing the global climate change agenda, among other issues.

Annual U.S.-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Symposium

• To be co-hosted with a Brazilian partner alternately in Brazil and the United States.

Research and scholarship by CFR fellows, Brazilian visiting scholars, and outside experts

• Multi-disciplinary analysis for policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.

Partnerships with Brazilian institutions

CFR'S INDEPENDENT TASK FORCE ON BRAZIL

• Membership comprised of a diverse and bipartisan group of high-level experts and practitioners;
• Co-chaired by Secretary Samuel Bodman and James Wolfensohn, directed by Dr. Julia Sweig;
• Will produce a consensus report that describes Brazil's rise and offers policy recommendations.

Program Description and Activities