Guilherme Thudium holds a Ph.D. in Strategic and International Studies from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil, as well as a master’s degree in Political Science from the same institution. Guilherme is a Law major specializing in International Law and International Relations. He was a visiting scholar at the University of Würzburg, Germany. His experience includes working alongside professors, diplomatic and military personnel, state deputies, federal judges, and a former member of the Federal Senate in Brazil. From 2020 to 2022, he held the presidency of the South American Institute for Politics and Strategy, the largest independent think tank in southern Brazil focused on research, teaching, and consulting in the fields of Strategic Studies and International Relations. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Federalism in Times of Crisis

The project provided comparative legal and public policy expertise on federalism and democracy for decision-makers in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. To this end, it developed alongside the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul, which has 55 state deputies elected by proportional representation, the Brazil-U.S. Parliamentary Front, and Members of Congress from the Brazilian Democratic Movement. Up to 135 mayors, 1,156 local councilors, and 262,000 affiliates were reached, including 113,000 women. The evolution of federalism in Brazil and the United States was analyzed, with a case study on Germany as an in-between model. The project included interviews, workshops and a short course to foment public policies and better understand the changing dynamics and challenges to the federalist system. A total of 400 citizens participated in the virtual and in-person workshops and the project sessions also were circulated within the South American Institute for Politics and Strategy’s network.  

More information on the project is available here: Projeto Federalismo, Brasil - YouTube

"The content is excellent for everyone who seeks qualified political education, be that the decision-makers or civil society, as it impacts everyone's daily life on issues such as the economy, health, housing, transport, infrastructure, leisure, and the environment." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Guilherme participated in the IVLP Project Promoting a Prosperous, Safe and Democratic Future organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with WorldBoston, WorldDenver and Global Ties Miami.

Guilherme's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "If we can agree on the need for a more egalitarian, sustainable and peaceful world, the future of enterprise will also have to be socially oriented. And for what I can attest, the IVLP program is positively shaping the next generation of social entrepreneurs to face the most pressing challenges of our time."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Boston, MA

Country: Brazil

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