Politics and higher education in Brazil: The case of federal university of Latin American integration

Over the last few decades, the landscape of higher education in South America has undergone significant
transformations, underscored by initiatives aimed at regional integration and the regionalization of Higher
Education. Among these, the movements within MERCOSUR and Brazil have emerged as particularly re-
markable, marking a new era of educational diplomacy and cross-border collaboration. This study delves
into the role that higher education policies have played in fostering regional integration across South
American countries, using the establishment of the University of Latin American Integration (UNILA) as
a focal point for analysis. UNILA represents a unique experiment in leveraging education as a conduit for
regional solidarity, offering an illuminating case study on the potential of academic exchanges to bridge
divides between neighboring countries. The inception of UNILA was made feasible by a specific political
and economic context in Brazil, which provided a window of opportunity for its development. However,
subsequent political shifts in the country have raised questions about the sustainability and future trajec-
tory of this initiative, highlighting the fragility of educational integration projects in the face of changing
political landscapes. This manuscript employs case of study analysis through a comprehensive multilevel
framework to examine the regionalization of higher education in South America, with a particular focus
on Brazilian policies from 2002 to 2022. It traces the genesis, implementation, and evolution of UNILA,
drawing on a diverse array of sources through a mixed-methods approach that combines literature review
with both qualitative and quantitative research. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with
various stakeholders, providing fresh insights into the complexities and challenges of regional educational
integration. The findings underscore the significant role that UNILA plays in fostering a supra-national
regional identity, serving as a beacon of integration efforts in the continent. By examining the successes
and setbacks of UNILA, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in
the regionalization of higher education in South America. It also offers valuable lessons for policymakers
and educators on the potential of higher education as a strategic tool for promoting regional integration
and building stronger, more cohesive regional identities.