On the 198th anniversary of the independence of Brazil, it seems pertinent to recall the words of Brazilian president Juscelino Kubitschek to president Sukarno in May 1959, during the latter’s historical visit to Brasilia, the soon-to-be inaugurated capital of Brazil:

“[…] You, Excellency, were and still are the builder of a new nationality. By force of your command and through your obstinate belief, ancient peoples have integrated themselves into a new and vigorous state, unified in its diversity, passionate about solving its internal problems and fully conscious of its future leadership role in international affairs. No other place in the world is more appropriate than here, Brasilia, President Sukarno, for me to congratulate you for your efforts toward national integration.”

More than six decades later, those words remain applicable, for...