Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva made his first trip to Cuba since the island’s ailing leader Fidel Castro initiated a transition of power to his brother Raul. Lula’s visit brought an energy agreement and pledges of a large aid package.

A discovery of oil reserves could bring Brazil into the fold of the world's major oil exporters, but challenges lie ahead. A hemispheric update examines the Brazilian model of energy security. Panelists at an AS/COA conference in São Paulo discussed Brazil’s goals for boosting its energy supply.

Director-General of the Brazilian Institute for International Trade Negotiations Andre Nassar links agricultural production to environmental sustainability, and calls for new policies to guarantee food supplies and bioenergy.

Brazil intends to hike its 2008 military budget to strengthen its defense industry, but some worry about a regional arms race. The new issue of Americas Quarterly examines security in Latin America.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva headed to Africa to promote a "biofuel revolution" just as his country won a victory in a World Trade Court case disputing U.S. cotton subsidies. During a recent AS/COA roundtable, Brazilian governors discussed biofuel opportunities. A hemispheric update examines Brazil’s energy policy at home and abroad.

AS/COA hosted an October 11 luncheon discussion with Brazilian governors Wilma M. de Faria, Cássio Cunha Lima, and Roberto Requião to talk about opportunities in the areas of biofuels, tourism, infrastructure, environmental policies, and social development.

After nearly three decades off the air, Sesame Street returns to Brazilian television to boost basic education. In a new issue of AS/COA's Viewpoints Americas, Executive Vice President of International Projects at Sesame Workshop Daniel Victor writes about early education and national development.