Fernando Henrique Cardoso (FHC) is one of the most important politicians and intellectuals in Latin America. As an activist for democracy in Brazil, FHC was elected to the presidency of his country in 1994, eventually serving two full terms in office. He presided over the first peaceful transition of power in democratic Brazil when President Lula succeeded him in 2003. During his time in office, he emphasized economic reforms, privatization, foreign investment, and funding for social services and education.
FHC is best known for the economic reforms that succeeded in halting the chronic hyperinflation that plagued the country and for introducing a new, stable currency through the Plano Real. FHC was also a Senator, Minister of Foreign Relations, and Minister of Finance. In addition to his prominent role in Brazilian politics today and in the past, he is a sociologist, professor and researcher who has written extensively about social change, development, and democracy.
FHC is Professor Emeritus of the University of São Paulo. His academic career has also included visiting posts at the University of Chile, University of California at Berkeley, and Brown University in the United States as well as at Cambridge University in the U.K. England. He served as President of the International Sociological Association from 1982-1986 and has received honorary doctoral degrees from more than 20 prestigious universities around the world. FHC is an honorary foreign member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.