Global Politics Meet the Classroom

From Covering Corruption to Classroom Conversations

After more than a decade reporting on political corruption and presidential elections in Brazil, Dr. Gabriel de Arruda Castro has traded press deadlines for a professor’s desk. He recently joined Cedarville University as assistant professor of international relations, bringing firsthand insight from the front lines of global politics into the classroom. 

Journalism Roots in Brazil

Castro grew up in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. After earning his undergraduate degree in communications journalism, he became a political reporter for a leading news magazine, covering Brazil’s 2010, 2014 and 2018 presidential elections.

“As a reporter in Brazil, I had to speak the truth about corruption and bring the truth to whoever was reading,” said Castro. “Whatever you do, if you do it truthfully, you are being guided by the truth. That is one of the big lessons I have learned over my career. You might not be able to openly write or talk about Jesus all the time in your articles, but if you are seeking the truth and seeking justice, that is honoring to God.”

Bringing Real-World Experience to Cedarville

Six years ago, Castro and his family moved to the United States, where he completed a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Kansas. He joined the Cedarville faculty as an assistant professor in May 2025, and he currently teaches Politics and American Culture, History and Politics of Latin America, and Comparative Politics.

Though he spent most of his life in Brazil, Castro notes the similarities between American and Brazilian governments.

“Politicians behave very similarly in different contexts,” said Castro. “Even though most of my experience was in Brazil, a lot of what happens in Brazil applies to politicians in the US. So that gives me a lot of funny anecdotes to talk about from Brazil or South America. But it also gives me a better understanding of how things happen and why things happen in the political realm.”

A Balanced Global Perspective

Castro believes his experience offers students a broader view of international politics.

“A lot of people, when they come to America, forget their home countries and say, ‘Everything back home is bad, and America is perfect,’” said Castro. “I don’t have that perception. While I deeply admire the United States and its people, I see flaws in the American system and flaws in the current American way of life. And I do appreciate many aspects of life in Brazil and our constitution in Brazil. Brazil has learned a lot from the U.S., and maybe the U.S. has something to learn from Brazil as well.”

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.