On the History of the Relations between Brazilian and American Physics

Exchanges between Brazilian and American physics substantially changed through the 20^th century. Before WWII, it was virtually null; interactions began during the war; while since then they have been intense. During the war scientific exchanges were enhanced via a combination of scientists’ own initiatives and activities sponsored by the two states in the frame of the Good Neighbor policy, which was promoted by the US aiming to counter Axis Powers influence in Latin America and bring the region to the Allies’ camp. Prominent among the soft power deployed at the time were the activities of the OCIAA, chaired by Nelson Rockefeller, and funding from philanthropic foundations. After the WWII and during the full Cold War times, the exchanges dramatically increased. Hegemony of American physics in the western bloc, Brazilian position in the Cold War frame, Brazilian and American policies towards scientific training, brain drain phenomenon, and personal connections among scientists explain this rise. However, the movement of scientists crossing the borders was not exempt from cultural and political conflicts. Some Brazilians were reluctant to go to the US due to American foreign policies, which included the US relationship with the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964-1985). On the other hand, many of the Brazilian who were politically persecuted by the dictatorship found support among American colleagues in a process not enough known among the Brazilian readers (James Green, “We Cannot Remain Silent”) . As a whole, relationship between Brazilian and American physics mirrors the relationship between the two countries and may allow an advantageous perspective on these relations. This talk will address the scientific and diplomatic collaboration between the US and Brazil during and soon after the WWII, focusing especially on how Brazilian physics benefited from the Good Neighbor Policy by receiving financial and intellectual support.