The article discusses whether national and international changes occurred since the end of World War II justify Brazil's pursuance of an assertive emerging power foreign policy, both in the American continent and in the world. It examines some relevant features of world policy since the middle of last century, and the challenges posed by Brazil's need to build a strong regional position, especially in South America, as a stepping stone towards a more assertive world policy.
Brazilian foreign policy; emerging powers; world order; American regionalism; South American integration