Contrary to expectations, the formation of competing trade blocks has not become a reality. Today, Brazil has the opportunity to play a larger role in two regional associations -- the FTAA and Mercosul -- as well as in the inter-regional arrangement between Mercosul and the European Union. FTAA membership is the most important of the three, providing as it would a point of reference from which Brazil can define its role in the world.
regional trading blocks; FTAA; Mercosul