Abstract This interview stems from the interest of four Brazilian scholars in contributing to the study of foreign policy through dialogue with practitioners. As the study about foreign policy becomes more reflexive and critical, we turned to a Brazilian diplomat, Rubens Ricupero, who based on his vast and often difficult experience, has written about his interactions with the international world and strived to establish a dialogue with the academic world. Between May and July 2021, Ambassador Ricupero shared with us his views on the difficulties and possibilities of dialogue regarding multilateral agreements and institutions, such as the GATT and the UNCTAD.

Abstract This article examines the OECD’s enlargement process as an important dimension for understanding global economic governance. It focuses on the Brazilian candidacy, stemming first from the OECD’s strategies towards the BRICS countries, but also towards Latin America, where the organization’s enlargement has expanded its members in a matching process with the incorporation of European countries. The OECD became a high priority for Brazil in the context of a significant change of orientations on economic reforms and foreign policy choices. By looking at the experience of Latin American countries regarding their accession processes to the OECD, the article concludes referring to the organization as an expanding Western-led institution aimed at promoting a liberal economic agenda through enhanced global governance mechanisms.

A análise do quadro atual das relações exteriores do Brasil, com respeito ao Mercosul e às negociações da Alca, exige também uma avaliação histórica. Nesse sentido deve-se recuperar as origens e a evolução das estratégias regionalistas da política externa brasileira na década de 90.

An analysis of the current state of Brazil's foreign policy relations with regard to Mercosul and FTAA negotiations requires a historical perspective, including an examination of the regional strategies of Brazil's foreign policy during the 1990's.