Neo-extractivism, mining, and vulnerability of indigenous peoples as an expression of persistent colonialism in Brazil

Abstract

This essay argues that the most recent threats of vulnerability against indigenous peoples, intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect a persistent colonialism. This is updated in the context of Brazil’s semi-peripheral insertion into the capitalist, neoliberal, and globalized world-system as an exporter of commodities produced by the two strategic sectors of neo-extractivism, mining and agribusiness. The neo-extractivist model benefits mainly transnational groups and national elites with great economic and political power, in addition to the financial sector. Moreover, it establishes connections with the underworld of inferior and illegal circuits linked to sectors such as mining, and ranges from practices of violence to money laundering with the participation of local groups that, in recent times, have been assuming growing political and institutional power. Such groups are part of the complex mosaic of the strengthening of far-right ideologies in recent years on the national scene, which have been gathering alliances. This essay is based on collaborative research experiences in recent years with the Munduruku people in the Middle Tapajós region, along with reflections on the current expansion of the anti-indigenous political agenda.