My iPhone didn’t really handle handle the tropical sun very well, but you get the idea — it’s a wonk’s life.
I am here for a meeting co-hosted by the Stanley Foundation and the Centro Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais, entitled Global Leadership: Brazil and the US Confront the 21st Century Multilateral Agenda.
For my part, I am looking forward to confronting a caipirinha.
Obviously, today’s big news is that the North Koreans have set up a 2,000 centrifuge enrichment facility inside the old Fuel Fabrication Facility. I will try to put something up about that a little later.
Update | 3:36 pm (Brazil) I can’t seem to check any of my email accounts. So, for urgent correspondence try Facebook or submit a comment.
That looks like Copacabana. Try the beach by Posto 9 in Ipanema and eat at a Feijoada place if you have time.
I attended an event on the future of Brazil’s foreign policy at the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute recently and the issue of the country’s nuclear policy was a topic of debate. Several of the retired Brazilian diplomats speaking at the event expressed an expectation for an increase in the clamor for pursuit of nuclear weapons from some corners of Brazil. The argument was that Obama’s recent statement in support of India’s candidacy for a permanent seat on the Security Council was a signal that breaking the terms of the NPT was a viable option for would-be world powers.
The speakers were quick to point out the potential pitfalls of breaking the decorum of a nuclear-free South America and made clear their opinions that such a move on Brazil’s part was unlikely.
That being said, it would be interesting to read how the conversation evolves (assuming it comes up) at the conference you’re attending. I imagine the US is more concerned about gaining Brazilian assistance in non-proliferation efforts than they are about Brasília pursuing the bomb.
I would be interested to read your reactions to discussions on the issue should they arise at the conference.
Many thanks in advance and enjoy Rio!