By Emile Phaneuf

Introduction
Brazil, the South American Powerhouse, has a GDP of 1.5 trillion, nearly three times the GDP of Argentina (South America’s second richest country), and far more than any other country in South America (CIA World Factbook). In September 2004 Brazil and three other nations - Germany, India and Japan - started their self-promotion to be counted as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (BBC News). If Brazil were allowed this status, what kind of role would it play internationally? More specifically, what would it have to offer the international community?