ABSTRACT

Brazil, once expected to move into the developed world, is finishing a disastrous decade. After the abundant growth of the first decade, fueled by commodity trade and attempts to deliver gains to the poorest, has come a period of virtually no economic growth. The last several years have been perhaps the most difficult for a century. Lava Jato is partially responsible, with wider corruption than had been imagined. Massive political change has occurred. Little investment has happened, and public response has been sharply divisive. The next years will be decisive in seeing whether a strong and generalized recovery can occur.