Kimberly Dudeck

Comprehensive Chapter Review

Chapter 12: Global Ambitions and Frustrations
Now that the country of Brazil has risen to a more modern, industrialized status,
Brazilian officials made it clear that they would like to continue their economic
progression and become a global power. As a result of their significant gains in political
capital, Brazil has become much more assertive and is now in position to invest in foreign
policy. Ever since the establishment of the New Republic, Brazilian foreign policy has
drastically evolved. First of all, the region has become the top foreign policy priority
Second, Brazil has given growing importance to seeking alliances with other rising
powersThird, Brazil has sought to expand its worldwide diplomatic presence and has
been an increasingly vocal supporter of changes to global institutions with the aim of
occupying a more prominent place in the worlds council (243). Now that the country
has a thriving economy, it no longer looks for financial support from international
organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the US Department of
Treasury.
Since 1985, the main focus of Brazilian foreign policy has changed throughout
each presidency. Cardoso pursued a policy of autonomy via participation in the global
economy (244). He believed that hostility between Brazil and the United States would
only end in devastation. During Lulas term, foreign policy became radicalized and
contaminated by ideological and party-political motivations (244). Many critics made
assumptions that the PT party was influencing Lulas thoughts and beliefs on the matter.
This was not necessarily true. The greatest accomplishment of Lulas presidency, in terms

of foreign policy, took place in Africa. Lula visited twenty-five African counties,
doubled the number of embassies located there, and helped to boost two-way trade from
$3.1 billion in 2000 to $26 billion in 2012 (255). During this time, the country of Africa
was the central target of Brazils newly established foreign aid program. Offering
assistance to other countries would allow Brazil to make alliances, which, in turn, would
help to gain recognition of the countrys claims to be a global power (256). Today,
Dilma Rousseff puts emphasis on the promotion of human rights. During her first month
as president, Dilma stood in front of a group of Jewish people and proclaimed that she
would be a tireless defender of equality and human rights everywhere in the world
(256). Following her speech in 2011, for the first time in eight years, Brazil voted to
condemn Iran at the Human Rights Council.
There has always been some conflict and mistrust between the United States and
Brazil, solely due to the fact that the two countries do not understand each other and have
different opinions on how each country should be run. According to Peter Hakim, Brazil
and the US are, and will remain, friends. But they are not likely soon to emerge as
partners or allies (257). Brazils newly recognized reputation and power has forced the
US to become more cautious of the rapidly advancing country. Although, the US is still
the single largest consumer of Brazilian manufactured products. The bulk of the
relationship between the two countries is primarily built on trade and financial concerns.
In order to further its entitlement as a global power, Brazil decided to rely on a
strategy known as soft power. Joseph Nye defines soft power as the ability to get what
you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments (260). The country of
Brazil has many characteristics that could potentially attract outsiders, such as its culture,

stable economy, democracy mixed with capitalism, and its growing social influence on
the world. If Brazils financial status continues to magnify, then the country will surely be
noticed as a global power by the United States.