Rio de Janeiro's successful bid to host the 2016 Olympics is seen as a symbol of Brazil's incredible transformation over the past decade from a struggling country to a powerful economic and diplomatic player. Just as the 2008 Beijing Olympics signaled China's resurgence, the upcoming Rio games are viewed as a validation of Brazil's emergence as a major player on the world stage. Despite years of underperformance, Brazil has finally capitalized on its rich natural resources, strong democracy, and large consumer base to become a prominent player in the global arena. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's leadership has been crucial in Brazil's economic success, lifting millions out of poverty and solidifying his status as a popular world leader. Even in the face of the global economic crisis, Brazil has quickly rebounded and returned to growth, further solidifying its newfound status as a global powerhouse. Lula mentioned to the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen this week that Brazil was the last to be affected by the financial crisis, but the first to recover from it. He also stated that Brazil no longer feels inferior and has shed the image of being second-rate citizens. The country's history of unfulfilled potential, humorously referred to as "Brazil is the country of the future -- and always will be," was a common sentiment during periods of military dictatorship, inflation, and economic crises in the past. As Lula was on the brink of presidency in 2002, Brazil was still facing struggles, with concerns mounting that it would follow in the footsteps of crisis-ridden Argentina. In the years since then, Brazil has experienced strong economic growth and President Lula's charismatic personality has helped elevate the country's status on the global stage. By 2006, Brazil had successfully paid off its IMF loans ahead of schedule and even pledged to lend $10 billion to the IMF. Brazil has earned three investment-grade ratings in the past 18 months and has become a key player in international diplomacy on various issues. Companies like Petrobras and Vale have thrived, expanding Brazilian investments and influence in Latin America and beyond. Brazil has also been advocating for greater representation for developing nations in global decision-making, boosting the influence of the G20 and the BRIC group. Lula's call for South America's inaugural Olympics echoed a similar sentiment - that wealthier countries have historically dominated the Games in terms of both spectacle and prestige. Brazil's resurgence has provided a way out of poverty for approximately 20 million people, many of whom have benefited from Lula's extensive social welfare initiatives. Additionally, Brazil has been fortunate in terms of economic factors, such as the commodities boom that bolstered exports of materials like iron ore and soybeans, as well as the significant oil discovery off the coast of Rio in 2007. The government hopes that this discovery will elevate Brazil to the status of a developed nation, leading Lula and others to jokingly claim that "God is Brazilian." Despite these successes, Brazil still faces numerous obstacles on its path to achieving developed-nation status. The education system in Brazil is consistently underfunded, resulting in a lack of top-tier universities and a shortage of skilled labor, which concerns business leaders. The country's aging infrastructure is also hindering its potential for growth. Racism continues to be a significant obstacle for black and indigenous individuals in accessing education and job opportunities. Additionally, despite economic advancements, Brazil remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, with widespread poverty, crime, and illiteracy in regions such as the northeast and the Amazon rainforest.