Brazil's international ethanol strategy and the lessons for the UK

f32b1d6f-7319-4942-96a4-0a582a54387d

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ESRC
ESRC
ESRC
ESRC
ESRC

£512,635

Sept. 30, 2019

Sept. 30, 2021

During my PhD, I looked at Brazil's efforts to create a global market for ethanol - a biofuel that can substitute gasoline and thereby lower greenhouse gas emissions. I focused in particular on how the Brazilian Foreign Policy Complex (FPC) - all actors within government, business and civil society involved in international affairs - interacted and how this led to the failure in establishing a global market for ethanol. For this, I conducted over 80 expert interviews, reviewed the relevant literature and analysed primary documents from the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, the US Department of Trade, the Mozambiquean Presidency and the World Trade Organisation. During my research, it became clear that the Brazilian FPC did not co-operate internally at the level that would have been necessary and that they misjudged the preferences and interests of their international partners.

On a more theoretical level, I am interested in how countries can enhance and apply their soft power capabilities, i.e. how they can influence other countries by means other than military or economic force. Brazil does not have significant military or economic resources and therefore has to mainly rely on its soft power capabilities. So far, the literature lacks a standard definition of soft power. With my research findings, it becomes clear that the concept of soft power needs to include the ability for "political problem solving". In other words, if a country can show that they can manage their affairs domestically and deliver results to their population, other countries are more likely to accept their leadership internationally.
As my main interest lies in the question of how "stuff gets done" in international politics in general, and in the global effort to decarbonise the global energy sector in particular, I want to explain to policy makers and the public that we can achieve this objective and what the factors for success are. My research is particularly relevanty for foreign policy professionals, diplomats and people in the energy sector. I will prioritise engaging with these partners.

During my fellowship, I will publish the findings from my PhD in an academic journal article that focuses on the theoretical aspects of my research and a book that includes the empirical aspects of my work and will also be accessible to a wider, non-academic audience. Additionally, I will inform UK policy makers about the implications of my research for the UK through a policy paper and a policy impact event. This is particularly timely in the context of Brexit as the UK attempts to de-carbonise its energy system during a difficult time for political problem solving.
To maximise my impact, I have developed an ambitious training and outreach programme, which will equip me with the tools to advance the understanding of successful foreign policy making. This fellowship will enable me to create a publication and policy impact record, and establish myself as an expert in this field.