BRIC in the Backyard: Brazil's Economic Rise and What it Means for the United States (CSL Issue Paper, Volume 14-11, July 2011)

摘要

In today's increasingly globalized world there are several rapidly emerging market success stories that many economic and financial analysts are watching with great anticipation. Brazil is one of these of these geopolitical risers, and it is perhaps the most underestimated of the so-called BRIC countries. The term 'BRIC' was coined by Jim O'Neill from the Wall Street giant Goldman-Sachs in 2003, and it refers to the up and coming economic powerhouse nations around the globe, including Brazil, Russia, India and China. The story behind Brazil's economic growth is a remarkable tale that has multiple strategic implications for the United States as the two countries struggle to define their future bilateral relationship. Some analysts argue that the United States has been slow to comprehend Brazil's transformation into an economic and political power. Now is the time for the United States to re-calibrate its partnership with Brazil. It must leverage the strengths of its own elements of economic power to forge a strong and lasting partnership with this emerging giant. The United States and Brazil are historically linked politically, economically, and, to an ever growing extent, culturally. The United States must intensify its efforts to demonstrate to its southern neighbor that while other countries have much to offer Brazil, the United States can offer more and is clearly a partner of choice. Brazil's economic rise should be encouraging for the United States. Now is the time to meet the challenge with the creativeness and ingenuity that has made America stand out as a global leader. Rather than speculate on how to mitigate the challenges regarding a rising Brazil, America's policy makers should recognize them, embrace them, and let them serve as a catalyst to drive U.S. economic and foreign policy with Brazil in a constructive and cooperative manner.