The former president of Brazil will speak at 6 p.m. today at Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso served as president from 1995 to 2002, after serving on the Brazilian senate and as economy minister.

Before entering the world of politics, Cardoso distinguished himself as a sociology professor and will continue his work at Brown University in July.

"Even though everyone seems to be interested in what's going on in Iraq, the war will ultimately end, and Brazil will gain in importance," said John Bratzel, graduate coordinator of MSU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

"Brazil is an important and powerful country."

Cardoso's lecture is part of the World View Lecture Series, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and TIAA-CREF, a financial service provider for teachers.