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

Lead Research Organisation: King's College London
Department Name: War Studies

Abstract

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.

Publications

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Froehlich T (2021) Soft power: the forces of attraction in International Relations in International Affairs

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Froehlich T (2020) Brazil's "Ciencia sêm Fronteiras" Program and Soft Power in Brasiliana: Journal for Brazilian Studies

 
Description This award has led to one peer-reviewed publication on Brazil's ability to create soft power through academic exchange.
A book titled "Brazil's International Ethanol Strategy. Lula's quest for a global biofuels market." has been published.
It has furthermore led to three manuscripts for articles that are currently under peer review.
The connecting thread is the question "how to get things done" in international politics, focussing on 1) soft power, 2) the geopolitics of climate change mitigation, and 3) the role of NGOs in governance of the extractives sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
The work shows how middle-power countries' ability to influence global politics can be thwarted by divisions in the domestic foreign policy complex. The central studies apply a neoclassical realist framework to international politics and elaborate on the concepts of South-South Cooperation and Soft Power.
Exploitation Route The findings of the research papers will be disseminated to policymakers and industry-leaders.
Sectors Energy

Government

Democracy and Justice

Security and Diplomacy

 
Description The findings have been used for background talks with journalists and briefings with policy makers.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Education,Energy,Government, Democracy and Justice
Impact Types Policy & public services

 
Description DAAD-AICGS Research Fellowship
Amount $15,000 (USD)
Organisation German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 
Sector Academic/University
Country United States
Start 08/2021 
End 12/2021
 
Description Taiwan Fellowship
Amount $360,000 (TWD)
Organisation Government of Taiwan 
Sector Public
Country Taiwan, Province of China
Start 04/2022 
End 11/2022
 
Description Brazilian voices on the road to COP26 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A webplatform with video statements from Brazilian activists and academic commentary to accompany COP-26. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/brazilian-voices-on-the-road-to-cop26
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.kcl.ac.uk/brazilian-voices-on-the-road-to-cop26
 
Description King's College London Brazilian Society: Panel on Energy and Sustainability in Brazil. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Panel with two Brazilian experts on energy and sustainability in Brazil.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023