About
The Brazil Institute seeks to foster dialogue on key issues of bilateral concern between Brazil and the United States, advance Washington’s understanding of contemporary Brazilian developments, and promote detailed analysis of Brazil’s public policy.
Operating as part of the Latin American Program, the Brazil Institute was created out of the conviction that Brazil and the U.S.-Brazilian relationship deserve greater attention within the Washington policy community. Brazil´s population, size, and economy, as well as its unique position as a regional leader and global player, demand this attention. In keeping with the Center’s mission to bridge the worlds of scholarship and policymaking, the Brazil Institute sponsors activities on a broad range of key policy issues:
1) Regular policy forums stimulate nonpartisan reflection and debate on critical issues in Brazilian trade and economic development, international relations, public policy, science and the environment, and political affairs. These seminars present the views of top scholars, high-level policymakers, and business and civil society leaders on the various challenges and opportunities that face Brazil and U.S.-Brazilian relations.
2) The promotion, sponsorship, and dissemination of research conducted both in the field and at the Center. Meeting reports, supporting data, and other analysis are disseminated in the form of newsletters, policy bulletins, special reports, and other publications. These are distributed to members of the policy community and to the Brazilians and Brazilianists active in shaping U.S. perceptions of Brazil. Significant research projects lead to published volumes through the Woodrow Wilson Center Press.
3) The appointment of leading Brazilian and Brazilianist academics, intellectuals, writers, journalists, and former diplomats and government officials as scholars to conduct research at the Center as Public Policy Scholars. The Woodrow Wilson Center also supports research through academic year residential fellowships. Fellows and scholars conduct research and write in their areas of interest, while interacting with Wilson Center staff and policymakers in Washington.
4) Maintenance of a comprehensive multimedia resource webpage that features regularly updated news, analysis, publications, and reference materials covering issues relating to Brazil and to the U.S.-Brazilian relationship. The site is divided into specialized pages, including Portal to Brazil, devoted to contemporary political, economic, and regional developments, as well as Biofuels Central, with diverse analysis and specialized information regarding the potential impacts of alternative energy sources.
The Brazil Institute is directed by Paulo Sotero For more information contact Michael Darden.