Ordem Internacional e Multilateralismo

Brazil in a Globalising World, por Amaury de Souza

Emerging market economies such as Brazil and Argentina face difficult times in a globalising world. A combination of adverse circumstances in the world economy is likely to affect their potential for growth negatively. It is believed that the best-case scenario for Brazil is to successfully ‘relaunch’ Mercosul by setting up effective macro-economic co-ordination mechanisms and deepen the customs union. Notwithstanding, from Brazil’s point of view, such a move entails sharp dilemmas. The first problem is whether deeper economic integration may exact a loss of sovereignty. The other, is the extent to which the opportunities offered by world markets contribute to accelerate domestic economic development. Bearing this in mind, the focus of this chapter is on recent developments that may constrain Brazil’s leadership role, or conversely, provide the momentum for furthering Brazil’s interests in its multiple agendas.