Breaking the Mold: Brazil's Foreign Policy Insights

Brazilian foreign policy studies have traditionally focused on the institutional role of Itamaraty, often overlooking the influence of academia in shaping diplomatic debates. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has historically led policy formulation, academic actors have contributed with intellectual frameworks that shape diplomatic strategies. This article examines how the relationship between these two spheres has evolved and identifies key moments of engagement and conflict. The study employs a qualitative, historical analysis based on process tracing, examining four critical periods of Brazilian foreign policy through academic literature, policy discussions, and interviews with diplomats and scholars. The findings suggest that academic contributions have reinforced official foreign policy narratives in moments of alignment, whereas in periods of divergence, they have challenged state-led frameworks and informed changes in Brazil's international positioning. This study highlights the complex interplay between intellectual production and diplomatic practice, offering a more nuanced understanding of the forces shaping Brazil's global strategy.