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Necropolitics, State of Exception, and Violence Against Indigenous People in the Amazon Region During the Bolsonaro Administration*

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Amazon Under Fire: Indigenous Rights Go Up in Smoke During Bolsonaro's Reign

The paper finds a concerning increase in violence, including murders, land invasions, and threats, against indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon during the first two years of the Bolsonaro administration (2018-2019). This violence is linked to the weakening of environmental regulations, land disputes exacerbated by agribusiness expansion, and the dismantling of institutions protecting indigenous rights. The paper argues that these actions constitute forms of "necropolitics" and a "state of exception" targeting indigenous populations.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that during a leader's time, people living in the Amazon rainforest got hurt more often. This was because rules meant to protect their land and lives were made weaker, letting others take their homes.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Limitations

Over-reliance on Descriptive Statistics
The paper's reliance on descriptive statistics, while offering a broad overview, lacks the depth provided by qualitative analysis, especially crucial when examining complex social phenomena like violence against indigenous peoples. Nuances and underlying causes are often missed when relying solely on quantitative data.
Limited Timeframe
Focusing solely on 2018-2019 limits the analysis's ability to capture long-term trends and the impact of policy changes over a more extended period. A broader timeframe would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving situation.
Lack of Concrete Solutions
While the study highlights concerning trends, it doesn't offer concrete solutions or policy recommendations. This limits the practical implications of the findings and their potential to drive positive change.
Superficial Theoretical Engagement
While the paper mentions 'necropolitics' and 'state of exception', it doesn't fully develop these theoretical frameworks or deeply analyze their application to the Brazilian context. More rigorous theoretical engagement would strengthen the analysis.

Rating Explanation

This paper presents important data on violence against indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon during the Bolsonaro administration. However, methodological limitations, such as the over-reliance on descriptive statistics, a narrow timeframe, and superficial theoretical engagement, prevent it from reaching a higher rating. The lack of proposed solutions also detracts from its overall impact.

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Social Sciences
Subfield: Urban Studies

File Information

Original Title: Necropolitics, State of Exception, and Violence Against Indigenous People in the Amazon Region During the Bolsonaro Administration*
Uploaded: July 14, 2025 at 06:48 AM
Privacy: Public