As its economy has grown to be the seventh largest in the world, Brazil has utilized its newfoundeconomic power to consolidate its influence in South America and play a larger role ininternational affairs. The Obama Administration's National Security Strategy recognizes Brazil asan emerging center of influence, and welcomes the country's leadership on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues. U.S.-Brazil relations generally have been positive in recent years, thoughBrazil has prioritized strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties withnontraditional partners in the "developing South." While some foreign policy disagreements haveemerged, the United States and Brazil continue to engage on issues such as security, energy, trade, human rights, and the environment.