The recent launch of Brazilian television throughout most of the African continent marked the latest sign of a growing economic and diplomatic relationship between Brazil and Africa.

In order to strengthen the rule of law and foster social peace in crime-ridden and insecure communities, steps must be taken "to develop the institutional and physical infrastructure to integrate deprived communities into the nation state and the legal market economy," writes AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini in an article for The Huffington Post.

AS/COA’s annual São Paulo Conference explored Brazil’s role in the region and the world, economic prospects and trends, and key issues—such as innovation, technology, and clean energy—that may play a fundamental role in the country’s development.

Security experts launched the "Transnational Crime and Security" issue (Spring 2010) of Americas Quarterly at a program that highlighted Rio de Janeiro's security challenges and innovations as it prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

"Rather than working with the United States, Europe, and the other BRIC nations to build a more secure global environment, Lula's gambit risks enabling an outcome that could dramatically heighten regional and indeed global tensions," writes COA's Eric Farnsworth, discussing the Brazilian President's trip to Iran.

As Brazil seeks to increase its clout on the global stage, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva traveled to Tehran this weekend to play a role in a deal that would see Iran deposit nuclear fuel in Turkey. But the deal is unlikely to curtail a push for further sanctions on Iran.

Brazil's Defense Minister Nelson Jobim traveled to Washington to sign a bilateral military agreement with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on April 12. The accord marks the frst military pact between the two countries since 1977. Gates travels this week to Peru, Colombia, and Barbados.