Brazil as a Regional and Emerging Global Power

Since 2000, Brazil has leveraged sustained economic growth and reduced social inequality to expand its global political influence and diplomatic presence. While it has become an undisputed regional power in South America through the creation of institutions like Mercosur and mediation of regional conflicts, the document argues that Brazil remains a "reluctant emerging power." Its global ambitions are tempered by internal social inequalities, a public wary of the costs of assertive foreign policy, and a strategic preference for "partial adaptation" over revolutionary change to the global order. The author suggests that for Brazil to sustain its emergence, it must move beyond risk-averse diplomacy and define a clear vision for global governance.

• Since 2000, Brazil has experienced sustained economic growth and a decrease in social inequality, leading to a higher income per person than India, China, or Russia.
• Brazil actively seeks greater status and reform within global institutions, including the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation, where it is part of the 'Quartet' group.
• Despite its growth, Brazil faces internal vulnerabilities, including rampant crime in major cities and a poverty rate affecting roughly 15% of the population.
• Brazil's regional leadership in South America is characterized by a contradiction: it builds institutions like Mercosur and mediates conflicts, yet it remains reluctant to pool sovereignty into supranational bodies or pay the costs of regional prominence.
• The relationship between Brazil and the United States is not a natural alliance; while interests may converge, Brazil's strategy is often to restrict or restrain US power rather than act as a regional policeman.
• Brazilian public opinion and elite perceptions act as a constraint on the country's emergence, as outward-oriented policies are often viewed as risky or costly.

APA

Spektor, M. (2009). Brazil as a Regional and Emerging Global Power. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Policy-Briefing-9.pdf

Chicago

Spektor, Matias. Brazil as a Regional and Emerging Global Power. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2009. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Policy-Briefing-9.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Spektor |first1=Matias |title=Brazil as a Regional and Emerging Global Power |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=9 November 2009 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Policy-Briefing-9.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{spektor2009brazil, author = {Spektor, Matias}, title = {{Brazil as a Regional and Emerging Global Power}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2009}, month = nov, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Policy-Briefing-9.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }