In the past, Brazil was usually thought of as the United States' "backyard". However, this concept is outdated and soon to be changed, as Brazil continues to gain momentum not only regionally, but also internationally.
"In the present day clearly I think Brazil has massive intentions to be recognized internationally and it's looking very much beyond South America and towards international institutions such as the United Nations," Lochery told Sputnik.
The author said during the Cold War that Brazil felt abandoned by the United States, as Washington looked to focus more attention on other countries.
The lack of democratic institutions and political uncertainty made it difficult "for Brazil to be welcomed internationally," the author said.
But now things are changing. Brazil became a founding member of BRICS, an association of five major emerging world powers, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The five group members include more than one third of the world's population and are developing nations whose political and economic influence continues to steadily increase.
