Leslie Bethell, an International Councilor at the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) who will turn 90 in February 2027, reflects on his career as one of the foremost "Brazilianists" in the international academic community.

The British historian has dedicated decades to the study of Brazilian history. His doctoral research demonstrated the decisive role of British military and diplomatic pressure in ending the transatlantic slave trade in 1850. He also coordinated the *Cambridge History of Latin America* series and, in 1997, founded the Centre for Brazilian Studies at the University of Oxford.

In a feature for Ilustríssima (published by Folha de S. Paulo), Bethell discusses his experiences in Brazil and England, his engagement with politics, and the key challenges he encountered throughout his career.

Read the article here