Artwork: Kente cloth - "The meeting of minds" pattern (1960). Tapestry by Ghanese artist Amos Akwasi Gogo, United Nations Conference Building
As an Associate Professor of International Relations at the College of Campinas (FACAMP, Brazil), I teach the following disciplines:
This course offers an exciting introduction to the field of International Relations, providing new students with a comprehensive understanding of its key aspects. Designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking, the course combines foundational theory with real-world relevance. It is structured around three engaging themes: i) Explore the origins of International Relations as a discipline and delve into its fascinating subject of study; ii) Understand the dynamic of the International System through the lens of foundational theories in International Relations; iii) Dive into the First Theoretical Debate in the field, featuring thought-provoking works such as N. Angell's The Great Illusion and E.H. Carr's The Twenty Years' Crisis. To make these discussions practical and contemporary, the course incorporates case studies on sovereignty and pressing global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the evolving competition between the U.S., Russia, and China, and the shifting dynamics of the international order.
This course offers a thought-provoking exploration of International Relations in the post-Cold War era, combining theory with real-world application. Designed to provide a multidisciplinary perspective, it invites students to tackle a central question: how does theory shape political action? Using dynamic theoretical frameworks – such as constructivism, global governance, debates on sovereignty, human rights and humanitarian intervention, and feminism – students will analyze and interpret pressing international issues. As a capstone project, students produce a briefing and a video essay, where they will learn to use theoretical frameworks to interpret international issues and craft compelling arguments to defend a thesis. This hands-on experience not only deepens understanding of the different theoretical frameworks, but also hones critical thinking, research, and communication skills, essential tools for navigating the complexities of global politics today.
This course offers an engaging introduction to the inner workings of international organizations, with a particular focus on the United Nations and its various organs. We will explore how the UN functions, delving into the roles and processes of its key bodies, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and specialized agencies. Through this, students will gain a deep understanding of their decision-making processes, rules of procedure, and the importance of building consensus in addressing global challenges. The course emphasizes practical learning through simulations based on the WIMUN (WFUNA International Model United Nations) approach. This method mirrors the UN’s official processes, with a strong focus on consensus-building. Students will experience firsthand how diplomats negotiate, collaborate, and work toward agreements in a multilateral environment. Finally, this course works as a preparation for the Secretariat team of FACAMP Model United Nations, and students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the UN in a simulation conference for 500 Brazilian and international students.
This course offers a compelling analysis of Latin America's recent history and current challenges through a decolonial lens. Students will delve into the transformative impacts of neoliberalism in the 1990s and the powerful responses it sparked with the rise of the “pink tide” in the early 2000s. The course then transitions to today’s pressing issues, examining Latin America’s international engagement in the 21st century. Topics include the complexities of regional integration, energy and food insecurity, water scarcity driven by the climate crisis, increasing migration flows, and the demands of vibrant social movements led by Indigenous and campesino groups. As a research laboratory, students will go beyond theoretical discussions by engaging in hands-on projects and analyzing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin America through detailed policy briefs. Students will conduct interviews with specialists to make their recommendations more compelling and grounded, gaining real-world insights to inform their analysis. This course empowers students to critically engage with Latin America's past, present, and future while developing the tools to craft impactful and actionable solutions for the region's specific challenges.
I teach this dynamic course in partnership with Professor Roberta Machado for University of Utrecht students who are spending a semester at FACAMP. The course offers an engaging exploration of Brazil's Foreign Policy principles at the United Nations, from the country’s re-democratization in 1988 to the present day. We dive into three key areas of Brazilian Foreign Policy: Human rights and humanitarian assistance; peace and security; and sustainable development. To bring these principles into practice, students participate in an interactive simulation of a Brazilian Ministerial Meeting, where they craft strategies for the COP-30 Climate Conference, set to take place in Brazil in 2025. This hands-on experience allows students to apply what they have learned, think critically, and gain a unique perspective on Brazil’s role in global diplomacy.