GECAP

The Research Group on State Capacity, Security, and Defence (GECAP), based within the Centre for Social Sciences and Humanities (CCSH) at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), serves as a coordinating body for research, outreach, and teaching activities linked to the themes of State Capacity, Security, and Defence. It aims to comprehend the dynamics of the relationship between State, society, and the international system through an interdisciplinary approach characteristic of International Relations. GECAP seeks to promote social and academic debate on the relevance of State Capacity, Security, and Defence themes within contemporary international relations, particularly for Global South countries such as Brazil.

• Mission: To promote social and academic debate on the relevance of State Capacity, Security, and Defence themes within contemporary international relations, with the aim of strengthening the sovereignty, security, and development of Brazil and its strategic surroundings.
• Vision: To be widely recognised as a group of academic excellence in building a critical debate on State Capacity, Security, and Defence, fostering a space for democratic dialogue regarding these themes, and formulating policy alternatives to strengthen the sovereignty, security, and development of Brazil and its strategic surroundings.
• Values: GECAP is guided by the principles of interdisciplinarity, the inseparability of Teaching, Research, and Outreach, scientific progress, and public education as core foundations for the democratic construction of sovereignty, security, and development.