Bruno Ruffier is a visiting researcher at the Raymond Aron Center for Sociological and Political Studies at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in Paris and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Political Philosophy at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. He has a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in political philosophy and has attended summer courses at Goethe Universität in Frankfurt and the Royal Holloway University of London. His research focuses on democratic erosion and antisemitism in early 20th-century Germany, while drawing parallels to current threats to democracy due to the resurgence of global far-right movements. Bruno has published many articles and book chapters on topics like political pessimism, charismatic leadership authoritarianism, anti-liberal political philosophy, and antisemitism. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Project Principle of Hope: Countering Extremism Through Education in Porto Alegre

The project provides educators with essential tools and knowledge to identify and address extremism among adolescents. Specialized workshops and educational materials empower teachers and school staff to detect early signs of extremist behavior, foster safer school environments and prevent potential acts of violence. The project’s holistic approach focuses on media literacy, critical thinking, and community engagement, building resilience against extremist ideologies. 

Thus far, the project developed educational material. Two lectures are scheduled for the first week of November. Initial meetings and lectures generated positive responses, with several schools expressing interest in participating, indicating potential long-term educational impact. The project is fostering early dialogue on historical awareness and social responsibility, particularly in schools where workshops are planned.

“With the IVLP Impact Award project, I aim to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and address extremist behavior among adolescents. Through collaborative workshops and partnerships with key organizations, I aspire to create safer school environments and prevent future acts of violence. Together, we can build a resilient community that stands against extremism and promotes tolerance and understanding.” - Bruno Ruffier 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Bruno participated in the IVLP Project Countering Holocaust Denial and Antisemitism to Combat Racism & Identity-Based Hate, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with WorldOrlando and Cleveland Council on World Affairs.  

Bruno’s exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award project: “My IVLP experience provided invaluable insights into innovative approaches to combating extremism, particularly through engaging workshops and collaborations with experts in cities like Washington, D.C. and Cleveland, Ohio. Interacting with professionals at institutions like the Holocaust Museum and Global Engagement Center in Washington solidified my commitment to empowering educators to confront extremist ideologies effectively.”    

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Cleveland, OH 

Country: Brazil

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