Joao, can you please tell us more about your current research project?
My current research revolves around a book project I am developing in co-authorship with Professor Dawisson Belém Lopes (UFMG). The project seeks to understand how emerging and middle powers, such as Brazil, India, or South Africa, navigate a global order that simultaneously invites their participation and limits their autonomy. The central argument is that these countries face what we named as the Emerging-Power Trap: a condition in which they invest heavily in science, technology, and diplomacy to gain recognition and influence, but end up reproducing the hierarchies they wanted to overcome. This idea connects my broader research agenda, which combines international relations, political economy, and the study of science and technology in developing countries.
I look particularly at how domestic political and economic elites shape international behaviour. When elites perceive national development and international status as linked, middle powers can advance. But when these elites are more aligned with external interests or short-term economic gains, opportunities for structural change tend to close, an issue that we see in Brazil and its long-lasting journey to climb in the global status ladder. So, what I’m really trying to do is to bridge IR theory with empirical questions of economic development and technological autonomy. My agenda investigates how scientific and technological policies can serve as tools of statecraft, and how international regimes, from nuclear governance to trade and finance, constrain or enable that autonomy.
Why did you decide to join KCL and the Brazil Institute?
I decided to join King’s College London and the Brazil Institute after receiving the CAPES/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Award, which granted me the opportunity to undertake a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at any institution in the world.
My choice for King’s was driven by several factors. First, its outstanding reputation in international rankings such as QS and THE reflects a globally recognised academic environment, particularly strong in the fields of International Relations and International Development, both central to my work. Second, the university’s location in the heart of London provides a unique strategic position, allowing engagement with diplomatic missions, think tanks, and international organisations that are highly relevant to my research agenda.
Most importantly, the Brazil Institute at King’s offers a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to interdisciplinary research on Brazil. It brings together scholars working on the country’s politics, economy, culture, and international projection, creating a perfect setting to connect my research on emerging powers, science and technology policy, and global hierarchies with broader debates about Brazil’s role in the international system.
What have you liked most about your experience so far?
What I have liked most about my experience at King’s so far is the sense that the university truly is a world of opportunities. There are countless academic events, vibrant research groups, and a dynamic intellectual environment that constantly encourages exchange and collaboration. The facilities are exceptional, from the impressive libraries to the access to the Trading Room, which includes Bloomberg terminals, offering an invaluable resource for those of us working with data and international political economy. King’s also provides access to an immense range of research databases, creating the perfect setting for high-level, data-driven research.
Another highlight has been my interaction with Dr Andreza Aruska Santos, Director of the Brazil Institute. Her support has been fundamental: she welcomed me into the Institute’s academic community, encouraged me to take part in the editorial board of an international journal, and gave me the opportunity to teach in postgraduate courses.
Can you tell us what is your typical day at King’s?
A typical day for me at King’s is wonderfully full and stimulating. I come to campus every day and usually arrive early to start my work at my office in Melbourne House, a very pleasant and inspiring environment right in the centre of London. I do most of my work there: writing, analysing data, and meeting colleagues for discussions and collaborative projects.
I regularly take part in research groups where we present and discuss ongoing papers, which has been an excellent way to receive feedback and exchange ideas with scholars from different backgrounds. Around lunchtime, I usually head to the Bush House restaurant, it’s a great spot not only for the food but also for the informal conversations that happen there. And, to keep balance, I even make time to go to the gym at King’s. Mondays are particularly special, as I assist in the Brazilian Politics course, where I will soon be lecturing. It’s been a rewarding experience to engage with students and contribute to discussions about Brazil’s political landscape from within such a global institution.
For people in Brazil looking for career opportunities in academia abroad, which tips could you share?
For Brazilians who dream of pursuing an academic career abroad, especially in fields like International Relations and Political Economy, my main advice is simple: be curious, be disciplined, and never lose your sense of purpose.
The first step is to understand that excellence has no shortcuts. Build a strong foundation in your field, publish consistently, and learn how to communicate your research beyond national boundaries. English fluency helps, of course, but what truly matters is clarity of thought. Second, don’t be afraid to knock on doors. Many of the best opportunities abroad come from writing to people, introducing your work, and showing genuine intellectual curiosity. Academics around the world value passion and purpose more than prestige. When you reach out with authenticity, you’ll be surprised how many will open a space for dialogue.
Third, remember that Brazilian researchers have a lot to say to the world. Our perspective brings insights that many global debates still lack. Don’t try to imitate others; contribute with your own lens, your own questions. That’s where innovation comes from. And finally, stay grounded. A career abroad is not a prize. It’s a process. It demands humility, persistence, and balance. What has always helped me is to think of research as service: to help society understand itself better, to give voice to the periphery of global knowledge, and to open bridges between worlds that rarely talk to each other.
Are you doing any teaching while at King’s, if so, on which courses?
Yes, I am currently involved in teaching activities at King’s. I will be lecturing on the course The Political Economy of Latin America with Dr Andreza. This course examines the region’s development trajectories, economic structures, and political transformations within the broader context of global capitalism. I’m particularly excited to bring a comparative perspective to class discussions, connecting Latin American experiences to wider debates on development, dependency, and global governance.