The Brazilian fertilizer diplomacy: the case of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the threat to world food security
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Abstract
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this case study, students are expected to be able to reflect on strategic industry sectors and the formulation of long-view public policies; understand some of the main biases that affect making decisions in environments of high uncertainty; and build and apply judgment models to support decision-making processes.
Case overview/synopsis
Motivated by recent international events responsible for causing supply shock and great volatility in the price of imported fertilizers, Brazil, which in 2022 was responsible for producing only 15% of all the fertilizer consumed by its agribusiness, ran against time by launching a new national fertilizer plan (PNF). The plan proposed to boost Brazil’s national fertilizer industry to fulfil a long-term vision of reducing the country’s external dependence by 2050. While awaiting the first results of the PNF, this case study casts the student participants in the role of Breno Castelães, chief advisor of the special secretariat for strategic affairs of the presidency of the republic, whose role is to recommend the country’s position in the face of external pressures to adopt international embargoes of Russian fertilizers because of its war with Ukraine.
Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students of business administration and public management courses who want to deal with topics such as public policy, judgment and decision-making.
Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 10: Public sector management.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Since submission of this article, the following author has updated their affiliation: Eduardo Russo is acting as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research Department of Hult International Business School, located at Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, UK.
Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision-making. The authors may have disguised names; financial and other recognisable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Russo, E. and Figueira, A.R. (2023), "The Brazilian fertilizer diplomacy: the case of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the threat to world food security", , Vol. 13 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-04-2023-0120
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited