Brazil's Difficult Road to Greatness

摘要

Brazil is an emerging country that has made important strides in consolidating its democracy, constructing a diversified and financially sound economy, and enhancing its diplomatic participation on the world stage. Brazilians have always dreamed of achieving what they believe to be their destiny of greatness. Continuing problems of social inequalities, weak political and social institutions, inadequate education and health systems, and widespread corruption inhibit attainment of that destiny. This paper uses a strategy formulation model to examine Brazil's national interests and grand strategies. A fundamental debate among Brazilians is whether the grand strategy should be pursuit of leadership of the developing world, or of junior membership in the developed world. The strengths and weaknesses of Brazil's national elements of power also are analyzed. Although Brazil's quest for greatness has often strained relations with the United States, productive bilateral relations can best be nurtured by giving Brazil its international space and maximizing shared interests while minimizing differences.