While I do not necessarily approve of Lula's harsh approach to international politics (since it does destroy the possibility of a constructive dialogue from the get-go), but I do commend him for standing up for his country and his ideals. The global crisis did indeed give a reason for the developing countries to take the IMF and WB's directives for development with a grain of salt, openly. It is also an opportunity for the developing countries to take the initiative and make globalization work for them and not just the "rich", as President Lula refers to G8, since globalization "by developing countries for developing countries" may well be the best tactic. One can but hope that he finds more support around the globe, to perhaps help transform the international arena from "rule by elites" and into a more democratic relationship.Courtesy of BBC World: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8253318.stm
First of all, love the Cyrillic script!
ReplyDeleteLula is an interesting character. If you want to follow his ability to navigate the diplomatic waters between the US and Venezuela, for instance, have a look:
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14214011
Brazil is in a delicate (but potentially powerful) position in global debates, which makes following it quite interesting (and not just for Brazilianists like me).
One note: remember that just like any elected president, Lula is playing to his domestic constituency just as he plays to an international constituency. This surely affects what he says and does. And in terms of "democratizing" leadership, rightly so.