I read a paper written by Marcelo Firpo de Souza Porto and Diogo Rocha. They argue that Brazil’s persistence with colonialism and entering the globalized world-system has led to the exploitation of natural resources which in turn has lead to more corruption within the Brazilian government because of the favoritism of national elites and transnational groups. This creates a hindrance for a more sustainable, democratic alternatives for economic and social development.
I really liked how this paper focused on the struggles of indigenous people and how they are most vulnerable to neo-extractivism. When we talk about Neo-extractivism the focus is usually on the overall damage that it does to the environment like pollution of air and water quality as well as the release of greenhouse gases. What we don’t stop to think about is the impact that neo-extractivism has on indigenous people because they depend on nature to survive. Porto and Rocha partnered up with the Munduruku people in the Middle Tapajós region to research more on the effects neo-extractivism has had on them and I found it interesting how former president Jair Bolsano was indigenous people’s number 1 enemy by purposefully ignoring the protests of indigenous people.
Indigenous people have always been cast aside every since the colonization of the Americas. Through the years this has been swept under the rug with policies that choose to ignore the problem and say there are no differences. The population is growing and corporations are using this as an excuse to expand and monopolize resources without taking responsibility for the people they displace or harm in the process. Latin America is an easier subject due to the knowledge that their governments are corrupt and there is room for negotiation in exchange for favors or power. I don’t think indigenous people have a change against this government. Outside powers can only do so much to help, but it circles back to the institutions and how it’s set up for corruption to take place. What would it take for corporations to stop colonizing resources?
