He notes that, as Dr. Luft has observed, ethanol derived from sugar has transformed Brazil's energy security situation - and could, with the help of our new CAFTA and other, friendly Latin American and Caribbean partners, help transform ours.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Wanted: A real energy security bill

These sanctions have sharpened political division among world powers, especially when both Turkey and Brazil, non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, have and continue to resist U.S.-led efforts to push for sanctions over Iran's failure to halt its uranium enrichment program.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The growing concern of Brazil & Iran

Security and crime-related losses cost them about 1% of sales, higher than in Russia or Brazil.

ECONOMIST: South Africa

Brazil also aspires to secure a permanent place on the United Nations Security Council along with long-established world powers.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A closer look at Brazil's foreign policy