Gabriela Reitz

Gabi (she/her) is a senior studying International Relations with a primary specialization in International Security and a secondary specialization in Europe & Russia. She is pursuing Honors through the Center for International Security and Cooperation, writing her thesis about Brazil’s response to the war in Ukraine, and is a Peer Advisor for the Program in International Relations. She spoke with us about what sparked her interest in IR, her favorite IR class, future career goals, and more!

What sparked your interest in IR?

When I got to Stanford, I felt a strong urge to learn more about today’s big issues and topics I care about. I was drawn to IR because the conversations within the major feel very important. Issues like development, international security, and democracy are central to the world we live in and the lives we lead. I believed that pursuing a major in International Relations was the best way to learn about these issues and find avenues for meaningful involvement.

What are your primary academic/research interests?

My mom is from Brazil and I’ve always wanted to learn more about the country’s politics and history. Then, when I took Professor Stoner’s class Understanding Russia, I became interested in Russian and Chinese influence in the Global South. Now, my research interest is at the intersect of these two topics. For example, my thesis explores how China’s economic hold in Brazil has shaped Brazil’s decision to withhold military support for Ukraine, despite Ukraine being both a fellow democracy and middle power. More broadly, I’m interested in how development and national security are intertwined.

What is your favorite IR class so far and why?

My favorite IR class, and the best class I have taken at Stanford, is Professor Rakove’s Presidents and Foreign Policy in Modern History. Professor Rakove is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met, and the Cold War, which this class covers, is my favorite era of history. Plus, I really enjoyed the format of this class: we basically read a book a week about a different US president and then had a class discussion on it. I learned a lot and found the conversations enlightening.

Can you tell us a bit about a recent internship or study abroad (e.g., BOSP) experience you've had?

During the summer of 2023 I interned on Capitol Hill, in the office of Senator John Hickenlooper, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. Work-wise, I assisted the Senator’s Foreign Affairs team on issues like the National Defense Authorization Act, and was tasked with managing constituent communication, which means I spoke every day with Coloradans about issues they cared about. I learned a lot about how government works, and what discussions about international relations look like at a domestic level. Plus, dressing up in a fancy dress and walking through the Capitol, spotting Senators and attending official hearings was a political-nerd’s dream.

Are there any extra- or co-curricular Stanford activities or student groups you would recommend for IR majors?

Join SIAS!!!!!! The Society for International Affairs at Stanford is the club on campus for anyone interested in, well, international affairs. SIAS hosts events every week, from coffee chats with professors to cooking nights to speaker series. It’s also the home for the Stanford Model UN team and the Stanford Journal of International Affairs. It is so fun, you learn so much, and you won’t regret getting involved.

What are your future career goals?

I would love to continue working on issues related to Brazil, either in government, a think tank, or another setting. I’m excited to spend some time on the East Coast, either NYC, DC, or both.