Currently the United States economy is in a state of financial crisis and the financial difficulties of the United States can be felt throughout the world. However, the BRIC countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China, represent a source of stability in the turbulent economic crisis, which is why it is imperative that the United States maintains these relationships. Jim O'Neil, who first coined the term “BRIC” in 2001, exclaims that “the BRIC consumer will save the world.” Although the BRIC countries are not superheroes, many economists reassure Americans that the economies of the BRIC countries will be able to withstand the recession, which will benefit the global market. On balance, maintaining international diplomacy with the BRIC nations has had a positive impact on the United States. The first of the BRIC nations is Brazil. Although a small country, the United States has recognized the importance of Brazil, being the first country to recognize Brazil's independence in 1822. The United States and Brazil have maintained an active and affable relationship, which includes an extensive program political and economic. The United States continues to deepen its relationship, which is reflected in the high-level contracts between the two countries. The United States government considers Brazil a significant power, especially for its role as a stabilizing force in Latin America. The United States' growing dependence on foreign oil is a major problem for the US economy. Congresswoman Judy Biggert exclaims that: “Our dependence on foreign energy sources is our Achilles' heel, not only in the field of diplomacy, but in terms of our future as a world economic leader. “In 2008 the United States consumed 23% of the world's oil, of which 57% was imported. Furthermore, America reported… half the paper… and trade relations. Rep. n. RL34161. Washington DC: Congressional Research Service, 2007. Print.8) Meyer, Peter J. Brazil-US Relations. Issue note no. RL33456. Washington DC: Congressional Research Service, 2010. Print.9) Pace, Julie. "China pledges to buy billions in US goods - Yahoo! News." Top current events news headlines from Yahoo! News. Network. 22 January 2011. .10) "Russia". US Department of State. Network. January 20, 2011. .11) “The United States and Russia in a New Era: One Year After the “Reset”” US State Department. Network. January 20, 2011. .12) "US-India trade relations -." USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Network. January 20. 2011. . "