Indigenous security and autonomy in a border region: a study of indigenous lands in the upper and middle Rio Negro (2016-2022)

• Grant number: 24/08112-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Political Science
• Principal Investigator: Héctor Luis Saint-Pierre
• Grantee: Nicole Grell Macias Dalmiglio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Políticas Públicas e Relações Internacionais (IPPRI). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this doctoral project, we propose to analyze the correlation between autonomy and security in indigenous communities in the borderlands of the Upper Rio Negro, located between Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. We seek to understand the complex relationships among state, non-state actors, and local communities, in a context where regional geopolitical dynamics intertwine with the aspirations for autonomy of indigenous peoples. The fundamental conceptual framework revolves around the interactions among the concepts of sovereignty, threat, and territory. The traditional conception of state sovereignty is challenged by the demands for autonomy from indigenous communities, questioning the nature of borders and the actors that define them. The temporal scope adopted for analysis will encompass the governments of Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, aiming to elucidate the specific challenges and transformations of this period. The perception of threats encompasses concerns that extend beyond conventional conceptions, encompassing local and global aspects that shape security in border areas. We will explore how these perspectives influence political dynamics and territorial management strategies. The methodology will be qualitative, including documentary analysis, literature review, and semi-structured interviews with key figures involved in territorial management and security at the border, such as representatives of the indigenous movement, military personnel, and public authorities. We intend to investigate the impact of the dual threat faced by indigenous communities in the border areas of the Upper Rio Negro on their international interactions, as well as analyze how this context influences the initiatives of indigenous associations in seeking support and recognition on the international stage. (AU)