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The 2006’s Chinese Defense White Paper settled goals for military modernization that would consolidate a force planning strategy aiming long-term results that could make it possible to win local wars under informationized conditions. The combination of policies of dual-use civil-military technology, catch up and absorption of foreign knowledge through joint ventures, China intends to overcome an imitation-based regime and to consolidate a defense industry with indigenous innovation. The paper analyzes how this strategy would reformulate logistic aspects of the Chinese military and promote the development of the fifth largest military industry in the world.

The 2006's Chinese Defense White Paper settled goals for military modernization that would consolidate a force planning strategy aiming long-term results that could make it possible to win local wars under informationized conditions. The combination of policies of dual-use civil-military technology, catch up and absorption of foreign knowledge through joint ventures, China intends to overcome an imitation-based regime and to consolidate a defense industry with indigenous innovation. The paper analyzes how this strategy would reformulate logistic aspects of the Chinese military and promote the development of the fifth largest military industry in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyze how there are spatiotemporal factors that can disable/enable local agency capacities in peacebuilding processes. Those local agency capacities depend on the context, which are shaped both by time and space. The traditional conception of time and space allows only a narrow understanding that reduces the possibilities of agency, and to rethink and broaden the concept of time and space I rely on History of the Present Time and Critical Geography. This paper illustrates the theoretical debate through the women’s agency capacities in the Mozambican peace process. This example demonstrates the complexities and multifaceted disabling/enabling capacity of spatiotemporal factors for the exercise of agency and provide some guidelines to identify them.

Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of international politics, the challenges this scenario presents for the field of International Relations (IR) and the pivotal role played by Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional (RBPI) in shaping both academic knowledge and policy frameworks. The study aims to achieve two primary objectives. First, to contextualize the significant shifts in international politics in the last few years, such as the rise of China and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating for interdisciplinary approaches and highlighting the contributions of Latin American, particularly Brazilian, scholars to global academic debates. Second, to trace the history, evolution, and international impact of RBPI since its inception in 1958, emphasizing its role in leveraging the standards of academic publishing in Brazil and Latin America, fostering international collaborations, and influencing policy decisions. The paper proposes that RBPI serves as an indispensable platform for advancing rigorous academic inquiry and offers a more inclusive perspective on international relations, thereby having a lasting impact on both the academic and policy landscapes globally.

Abstract This paper explores the securitisation geopolitics around environmental sustainability, advocating for regional securitisation as a means to address environmental challenges that otherwise complicate traditional security challenges, which are foundational to a regional security complex approach. The global landscape lacks a unified approach to environmental practices, prompting the examination of regional contexts to influence state behaviour and apply a regional security complex model to symbolise this transformation as “Regional Environmental Sustainability Complexes” (RESC). The paper demonstrates that the South Asian Regional Security Complex (SARSC) concept by Buzan has evolved into the broader South Asian Regional Environmental Sustainability Complex (SARESC).

This paper will discuss the challenges of Open Acess publishing in the area of the Humanities in Latin America, using the Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional (RBPI), which was founded in 1958 by the Instituto Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais and which constitutes the most influential Brazilian publication on International Relations and a leading publication on the subject in Latin America, as a case study. This paper will explain how the RBPI, which has been OA since 2007, has adapted to this new scholarly environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes South Korea's foreign policy strategy towards China during the administrations of Park Geun-hye (2013-2016) and Moon Jae-in (2017-2022) through South Korea's Defense White Papers and official documents during the aforementioned period. The objective is to understand whether South Korea employs a hedging policy in its relations with China to ensure strategic stability and economic prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper argues that there is an increasing dispute between China and United States on international technical standards, with national security as a central element and involving emerging and critical technologies. Based on Krasner’s structural perspective on international regimes, it shows that historically, states’ powers and interests have influenced the construction of the standards principles and rules in international institutions. The current USA-China dispute is revealed by their growing international participation and influence combined with national strategies to internationalize national standards. The paper is widely supported by specialized bibliography and documents from governments and institutions that are relevant on the issue.

Abstract In this paper, we argue that a right-wing populist leader’s support of regional organizations depends on how domestic supporters are affected by populist engagement with them. If the regional organization does not affect groups of the populist project, then the leader enjoys latitude to question the regional institution. However, whenever undermining the regional organization damage a group, the leader does not target the regional organization, and assumes an ambivalent approach. We use the case of Bolsonaro’s Brazil engaging two regional organizations: MERCOSUR and PAHO to test our argument. Our findings reveal that right-wing populist leaders are aware of domestic costs.

This work questions how SDG 14.c.1 can foster, through indicators, the participation of different actors involved in the protection of marine environment. The paper examined Stakeholders' access to forums for periodic discussion and review of treaties and Experts' participations in international scientific committees. The research was limited to the treaties showed by DOALOS so far and used the complementary bibliographic review methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article aims to provide a framework for conceptualizing the China-US rivalry. It argues that while the China-US rivalry is distorted to be an analogy to the Cold War, it must be understood as an intra-core competition between two different capitalisms. Theoretically the paper is inspired by the world system theory’s perspective on “cycles of hegemony” and the Kautsky-Lenin debate on inter-capitalism relationships. The causal nexus of the two theories explains that the China-US rivalry is in a new phase of the cycles of capital accumulation, and China’s changing competitive dynamics led by its state capitalism model have generated disadvantageous effect on the US hegemony. The paper’s conclusion is that China-US competition will shape the trajectory of world order for decades to come.

Abstract Motivated by the growing phenomenon of Local Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA) and their paradiplomatic involvement in international negotiations, this paper aims to analyze the role that these agencies have been playing in Brazil and the governance model they adopt. Through the case of InvestSP, the most mature Brazilian IPA, this study examines the topic based on primary documentation and the perspective of various government representatives. As main results, a theoretical framework was proposed to help map the logic of operation of a subnational IPA, its structure, and motivators. Additionally, it was evidenced that paradiplomatic actions have advanced independently by local powers, without effective coordination from the federal government, characterizing a process of (dis) diplomatic governance and institutional inertia.

The aim of this paper is to present, via a literature review, the Steps-to-War model, its research program and some of the results gathered over the years to the Brazilian International Relations community. This is because, although the model has developed abroad over the last twenty years, there is not yet specialized literature published in Portuguese dealing with the Steps-to-War, presenting its main assumptions, or testing them empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper analyses the development of European security since the end of the Cold War and how the European Union’s and Russia’s understandings of European security have diverged. The paper argues that the competing projects of the EU and Russia in the neighbourhood are a reflection of ontological insecurity which have prevented a renewed European security regime from emerging.

This paper explores specific features in the IHR Court that demonstrate international judicialization of domestic politics. Through qualitative research design, combined with descriptive statistics, we mapped no repetition measures in the Court's rulings against South American States, evaluated the difficulties to comply with these measures, and presented the possible impacts regarding States policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iranian nuclear program has been a source of apprehension and concern for some time. There are suspicions that Iran aims to use nuclear energy for military purposes, becoming an illegitimate nuclear power. Decades of sanctions and attempts of negotiation have not had satisfactory results. This paper aims to analyze the actual framework of the Iranian nuclear issue and argues that it reflects the controversies and difficulties of the nuclear nonproliferation regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global framework set forth by the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) include water resources in their scope, which emphasizes how water assets and society well-being are closely intertwined and how crucial they are to achieving sustainable development. This paper explores the role of hydropolitics in that Post-2015 Development Agenda and uses Brazilian hydropolitics set to reach SDG6 as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do the plans, platforms and strategies of action of the World Conferences on Women reflect the principles of gender justice? In this paper, we point out how the aforementioned documents frame gender justice in terms of redistribution, recognition, and representation. Furthermore, we briefly analyse how these principles are applied to Africa under the framework of the World Conferences' documents. We conclude that the plans and strategies prioritise redistribution and recognition, whereas representation is framed diffusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, U.S. government agencies have defined the Chinese presence in Latin America as a challenge, which has organized foreign policy towards the region. Departing from a neo-Gramscian approach, this paper investigates the bibliographical production of U.S. think tanks and seeks to understand the construction of consensus about the Chinese presence in Latin America. The methodology is based on content analysis and we identified two main narratives: in the first, the Chinese presence is presented as a threat to U.S. regional hegemony; in the second, the Chinese adaptation to liberal precepts is sought. There are therefore nuances in how the Chinese power is perceived, although the discourses remain restricted to the promotion of capitalism and neoliberalism under U.S. leadership.

This paper discusses the multilateral trading system's restraining role regarding the adoption of barriers to trade in goods and services as a reaction to the global economic and financial crisis. The paper analyses measures implemented by Brazil and other G20 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will discuss the challenges of Open Acess publishing in the area of the Humanities in Latin America, using the Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional (RBPI), which was founded in 1958 by the Instituto Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais and which constitutes the most influential Brazilian publication on International Relations and a leading publication on the subject in Latin America, as a case study. This paper will explain how the RBPI, which has been OA since 2007, has adapted to this new scholarly environment.

This paper intents to show the relationship between the Brazilian geopolitical thought with the economics progress, working for industrialization. Beyond the paper wishes to known why the Brazilian Army searched immediately the geopolitics thought in opposite to west Europe where that task was searched by universities.

This paper discusses the multilateral trading system’s restraining role regarding the adoption of barriers to trade in goods and services as a reaction to the global economic and financial crisis. The paper analyses measures implemented by Brazil and other G20 countries.

Abstract The paper argues that the norm of sovereignty was extended to sea areas with only minor adaptations. Using an English School approach, it explores the political evolution of control over the seas, demonstrating why and how the norm of sovereignty prevailed over alternative norms and principles regulating control of the seas. The paper then compares the positions of Brazil, China and the United States on the current international regime of the ocean.

Abstract This paper analyzes the internationalization of the Brazilian agricultural sector through a “global history” approach. The goal of the paper is to understand the internationalization of agribusiness as a smaller part of a transformation in the global food regime. In tracing the trajectory of agribusiness internationalization in Brazil, the paper explores patterns of local-global interaction and the new opportunities that emerge in global food regimes as a result. Finally, the paper probes the internationalization of Brazilian agribusiness under the state-agrarian elite partnership that has taken advantage of local and global transformations in agribusiness in recent history.

This paper intents to show the relationship between the Brazilian geopolitical thought with the economics progress, working for industrialization. Beyond the paper wishes to known why the Brazilian Army searched immediately the geopolitics thought in opposite to west Europe where that task was searched by universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the current challenges of the multilateral trade system, which are reflected in the WTO Doha Round deadlock. The main patterns of trade have changed due to the rise of global value chains and the globalization of the world economy, characterized by an increasing dispersion and fragmentation of industrial production. The article discusses the way these changes are challenging traditional assumptions of the multilateral trade system and the WTO Doha Round negotiations. Taking Brazil as an example, the paper argues that the mismatch between the negotiating agenda and the new world trade realities dwells in the very WTO member countries, which, at a great extent, have not yet aligned its trade policies to the new dynamics of the international trade. Finally, we argue that during the last ten years Brazil's trade policy has not properly considered the important changes in the international trade patterns brought about by global value chains and economic globalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with EU policies towards its eastern periphery, focusing on the Western Balkans and South Caucasus. Departing from a comparative approach, the paper argues that the establishment of a regional normative order, with clear goals of stabilization through variable geometry integration, has found clear limits. The paper flashes out these dynamics and establishes important lessons to be learned from the European approach to the Balkans and the Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education is one of the sectors negotiable under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (Gats), one of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. This paper analyzes the consequences of this liberalization. Specifically, it assesses the legal impacts of Gats obligations for the pursuance of higher education policies by WTO Members. The paper argues that despite the potential effects of Gats, the way it works can be used to nullify or mitigate its effects, in accordance with the level of liberalization sought by each Member. At the end, this paper also presents an overview of Members' positions, stressing their arguments pro and against liberalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the Brazilian foreign policy under General João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo, the last President of the military cycle started by the coup d'etat of 1964. During his presidency, Brazil went through a process of redemocratization. In this context, the Brazilian Foreign Policy became known, by part of the historiography, as 'Universalismo'. Such policy had the expansion of contacts throughout the world as one of its main characteristics and produced discourse to denounce the 'unfair' international system. Nevertheless, because of the great crisis that occurred in multiple aspects of the country, 'Universalismo' didn't establish itself as a consensus inside the Brazilian bureaucratic apparatus. There were evident manifestations against that governmental Foreign Policy leaded by the Foreign Ministry Ramiro Saraiva Guerreiro. Hence the central argument is to discuss and demonstrate the contrast between 'Universalismo' and its critics. Finally, the paper seeks to better detail the Brazilian foreign policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The following paper aims to unveil the reasons behind the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. Based on the hypothesis that Moscow’s decision was the result of the combination of strategic and ideational drivers, the study demonstrates how President Vladimir Putin’s political project has: (i) deepened Russia’s rivalry towards the West, strengthening the threat posed by NATO’s expansion; (ii) and highlighted the role of memory in the state’s identity, putting Ukraine in a privileged position in the Kremlin’s political agenda.

Abstract This paper delves into Brazil’s attempt to mediate global conflicts to enhance its international status, focusing on the case of the Tehran Declaration. Drawing on interviews with the foreign policy community of the United Nations Security Council’s permanent members (P5), the study underscores the perception of major powers regarding Brazil’s mediation attempts. The findings suggest that while Brazil’s mediation could enhance its prestige, it is viewed as lacking significant influence in high-stake global security conflicts. The Tehran deal episode exemplifies Brazil’s overextension. These perceptions may provide lessons for the Brazilian attempt to mediate the war in Ukraine.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to analyze the feminist foreign policy as a modern phenomenon in light of the particular features and challenges of Brazil’s reality. But first, the article contextualizes where the idea of a feminist foreign policy comes from. Even though womens make up half of the world’s population, gender parity in many spaces of power, such as diplomacy, is still not a reality. Thus, the so called feminist foreign policies aims, among others, to increase the number of female diplomats, grant them more visibility and place them in positions of power. Since this situation is happening worldwide, the paper aims to contribute on how we can think of the possibility of engendering a feminist foreign policy specific to Brazil.

Abstract This article aims to reveal how the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the environmental ones, are being incorporated into Mercosur. Firstly, the paper presents a brief evolution of the environmental agenda in the history of Mercosur. Then, to subsidise the analysis, using quantitative data, we discussed the gradual incorporation of the SDGs in the different Mercosur bodies. In order to understand the evolution of the environmental SDGs, the research required the collection and analysis of qualitative data within the framework of the Environment Working Subgroup (SGT-6), which revealed the main environmental issues and their interrelationship with the 2030 Agenda. Finally, Brazil’s role and the prospects for the environmental agenda in Mercosur are discussed.

Abstract How can defense cooperation with process-tracing methodology be explained? To answer this question, this paper tests the ability of process-tracing explanations in the case of the Brazilian proposal for the creation of the Union of South American Nation’s (UNASUR) South American Defense Council (CDS). Combining process-tracing methodology with a case study research design, this paper analyzes which causal pathways, mechanisms, timing of events, and policies best explain Brazilian behavior.

Abstract It is clear that Brazil seeks to enhance its international standing through an increasing engagement with peace operations. This paper argues that the more Brazil seeks to increase its engagement in the manner in which it is currently pursuing it – essentially by deploying troops – the more Brazil actively constructs its own subalternity with regards to international peace. In order to develop this argument, this paper initially delineates the Brazilian historical engagement within peace missions. Then, it critically problematizes such engagement by analysing it in light of the particular role that peace operations play within international politics.

Abstract This paper analyses the decision of the Obama administration to redirect its foreign policy towards Egypt in the wake of the Arab Spring. It attempts to highlight the issue of how governments deal with decision-making at times of crisis, and under which circumstances they take critical decisions that lead to major shifts in their foreign policy track record. It focuses on the process that led to a reassessment of US (United States) foreign policy, shifting from decades of support to the autocratic regime of Hosni Mubarak, towards backing his ouster. Specifically, the paper attempts to assess to what extent the decision to withdraw US support from a longstanding state-leader and ally in the Middle East can be seen as a foreign policy change (FPC). A relevant research question this paper pursues is: how can the withdrawal of US support to a regime considered as an ally be considered, in itself, as a radical FPC?

This paper brings a comprehensive analysis of the peacebuilding process conducted by the UN in Timor-Leste. Drawing on fieldwork, interviews, and secondary sources, the paper brings light to the main fragilities of this process. Firstly, the paper briefly outlines the scholarly debate around UN peacebuilding process. Then, the paper brings an overview of the UN missions deployed to Timor-Leste. Finally, the paper identifies the major limitations of such engagement. By highlighting the main flaws of this peacebuilding process, the paper opens the space for (re)thinking alternative ways of building peace in post-conflict scenarios.

In the context of the 30th anniversary of the signing and entry into force of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), the paper aims to discuss arms control and disarmament concepts, as well as to analyze the treaty content that resulted in the elimination of all ballistic and cruise missiles launched from land, ranging between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, belonging to the two Cold War superpowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russian behavior within the Climate Change International Regime is an interesting case for comprehending this normative framework possibilities and challenges in contemporary international stage. This paper will, thus, consider this regime construction and how Kremlin historically stands on it, in order to note how these actions impact international cooperation on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the linkages between the agendas of poverty alleviation and of environmental protection through initiatives adopting participatory community-based approaches. These actions intend to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of policies focusing local and traditional populations that are in a situation of vulnerability. The challenges they face are presented here in the form of games with the purpose to show models explaining them. And finally, a participatory instrument, raised in the Convention on Biological Diversity and based on customary law, is brought to the reader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union's (EU) decision to include aviation into the Emissions Trade Scheme was heatedly contested. Countries around the world, but mainly the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group (BRICS) and the US, denounced the EU's initiate as illegal and unilateral. Following a decade of frustrated negotiations at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this paper interrogates why such measure, in principle climate-friendly, inspired so much global resentment. I argue that concerns with competitiveness and risks of legal inconsistency are important, but insufficient elements to explain the core of the conflict. The paper suggests that the EU was strongly criticized because third countries perceived this action as an imposed solution, which fostered an environment of distrust. Therefore, I claim that the problem has more to do with a normative divide than with a substantive divergence on what should be done regarding aviation emissions. My analysis is informed by the present literature on the links between trade and climate change, but gives particular weight to first-hand information through interviews with key stakeholders. The paper is divided in three parts. First, it presents the scope of the EU directive in historical perspective. Second, it explores the EU's measure through three different angles: legal, economical and political. The final part explores some possible solutions to overcome these divergences.

Neste artigo se analisa a política externa do Brasil na gestão do general João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo, último presidente do ciclo militar iniciado com o Golpe de 1964. O Brasil viveu, neste período, processo de abertura política e de recondução do país ao regime democrático. Neste contexto, a Política Exterior da nação conhecida por parte da historiografia como Universalismo caracterizou-se pela aproximação comercial com diversos países nos quatro cantos do mundo e pelo discurso de denúncia das desigualdades existentes no sistema internacional. Entretanto, devido à crise manifestada, no período, em várias dimensões da vida nacional, o Universalismo não se estabeleceu em bases consensuais no aparato burocrático do Estado brasileiro. Houve claras manifestações de descontentamento em relação àquela política externa capitaneada pelo chanceler Ramiro Saraiva Guerreiro. Assim, o argumento centra-se na discussão e demonstração do contraste entre o Universalismo e seus críticos, buscando contribuir para o melhor detalhamento da política exterior do Brasil.This paper analyzes the Brazilian foreign policy under General João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo, the last President of the military cycle started by the coup d'etat of 1964. During his presidency, Brazil went through a process of redemocratization. In this context, the Brazilian Foreign Policy became known, by part of the historiography, as 'Universalismo'. Such policy had the expansion of contacts throughout the world as one of its main characteristics and produced discourse to denounce the 'unfair' international system. Nevertheless, because of the great crisis that occurred in multiple aspects of the country, 'Universalismo' didn't establish itself as a consensus inside the Brazilian bureaucratic apparatus. There were evident manifestations against that governmental Foreign Policy leaded by the Foreign Ministry Ramiro Saraiva Guerreiro. Hence the central argument is to discuss and demonstrate the contrast between 'Universalismo' and its critics. Finally, the paper seeks to better detail the Brazilian foreign policy.

A educação superior faz parte dos setores de serviços negociáveis no Acordo Geral sobre Comércio de Serviços (Gats), um dos tratados de liberalização existente na Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC). Neste artigo se busca analisar as conseqüências desta liberalização. Em específico, os impactos jurídicos das obrigações do Gats na conduta das políticas de educação superior de seus Membros. Entende-se que embora o Gats possua a potencialidade de gerar efeitos relevantes, seu modo de operação pode ser utilizado para anular ou minimizar seus efeitos, de acordo com o grau de liberalização pretendido por cada Membro. Por fim, o artigo apresenta um panorama sobre as posições dos Membros, destacando os argumentos pró e contra a liberalização da educação superior.Higher education is one of the sectors negotiable under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (Gats), one of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. This paper analyzes the consequences of this liberalization. Specifically, it assesses the legal impacts of Gats obligations for the pursuance of higher education policies by WTO Members. The paper argues that despite the potential effects of Gats, the way it works can be used to nullify or mitigate its effects, in accordance with the level of liberalization sought by each Member. At the end, this paper also presents an overview of Members' positions, stressing their arguments pro and against liberalization.

This paper analyses the defense strategies of Brazil, China and India and how they have responded to strategic needs that although they are different in the magnitude of their specific contexts, resemble to each other when they impose reforms to meet the regional and systemic character requirements. Deepens in Brazil, evaluating how the new technologies can break down this low strategic profile and initiate a new phase for the Brazilian strategy defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares Brazilian and Chinese South-South cooperation in the agriculture sector by analyzing two ongoing projects in Boane, Mozambique. This paper identifies to what extent a different formulation process and other features, such as language and culture, may reflect on the projects' implementation and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the coupling of Brazil's trade policy to MERCOSUR in the context of institutional and operational crisis. The difficulty to conclude a bi-regional agreement with the EU should encourage Brazil to rethink the general framework for joint negotiations, seeking to develop new international reintegration mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]