The Rise of International Relations Programs in the Brazilian Federal Universities: Curriculum Specificities and Current Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this reflection is to study the new international relations (IR) programs introduced by Brazilian federal universities, looking comparatively at their curriculum specificities and current challenges. In recent years, Brazil has seen an increase of IR programs launched in several regions. Since 2003, the Ministry of Education is in the process of decentralization of the campi from the state capitals. Additionally, the Program for Restructuration and Expansion of Federal Universities (REUNI) has supported this trend financially and legally. These public institutions have an important social role in universalizing education across Brazil, given that federal institutions in most cases offer a good standard of education free of tuition for the students. However, in which legal and economic conditions were such programs created? Was there a basic infrastructure in place to ensure a good quality of education in IR in such federal universities? What are the main strengths of these programs? Moreover, which challenges will faculty and students face along the path of continuous development? To answer these questions, the research is grounded in an exploratory analysis based on official documents, participant observation, and interviews with program coordinators. The results can enhance our comprehension of international relations growth in Brazil and bring reflections for a wide audience of political science and international relations professionals concerned with comprehending the idiosyncrasies of teaching and organizing IR outside the United States and Europe.