The Federative Republic of Brazil has embarked on one of the most ambitious strategic initiatives in its history. Brazil used the occasion, eight years ago in 2000, not only to celebrate the historic 500th anniversary of its discovery which coincided with the start of the new millennium but as a strategic opportunity to inaugurate a series of summit meetings of South American presidents. Thirty years ago in 1978, it had launched the Treaty of Amazonian Cooperation which emphasised its economic status and ecological roles and responsibilities. Now, it is trying to establish a South American security council……