Burges, Sean2014-05-091326-0219http://hdl.handle.net/1885/11647This paper argues that Brazil can only be classified as a middle power by engaging in what Sartori criticized as the process of conceptual stretching. Moreover, it is argued that Brazil neither sees itself as a middle power, nor conducts itself as one despite superficial appearances. After the context is set with a survey of thinking on middle power theory, attention is turned to explaining how Brazil might be mistaken for a middle power before explaining in more detail why the country is not one. Evidence is drawn from Brazil's multilateral engagement in institutions such as the WTO, the inter-American system, the NPT, and the wider context of global development. Ultimately the paper advises policy-makers and academics against using the concept of middle power as a conceptual guide or shortcut to understanding Brazil.19 pageshttp://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/1326-0219/ author can archive pre-print (ie pre-refereeing); author can archive post-print (ie final draft post-refereeing); on institutional repository or subject-based repository after a 18 months embargoBrazilItamaratymiddle poweremerging powerinternational relationsSouth\-South2013-0210.1080/13260219.2013.8533582015-12-11