Janus: Two Faces Emerge From Brazil

Sustained growth and an assertive foreign policy are the manifestations of the new "emerging" Brazil. Economic growth finds its origin in a combination of democratic consolidation and macro-economic stability in a brief period of international prosperity. Cautious and well-designed interventions by monetary authorities, with limited political intromission, have reduced the disturbances caused by the international financial crisis of 2008. Social programs, consolidated since the late 1990, and rigorously implemented have succeeded in alleviating extreme poverty in regions. Brazil has renewed its contribution to international governance. It challenged the stronghold of rich countries on multilateral organizations, established new relations with developing countries, joined the most outspoken in favor of democratization and contributed decisively in UN sponsored peace missions. Recurrent urban violence and profound social inequalities are slowing the pace of reform. The threat of a return of economic instability and social upheaval are the challenges facing Lula's successor. Adapted from the source document.