Plunder and resistance in traditionally occupied territories of the Tapajós and Trombetas basins, Pará state, Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract

In understanding contemporary Latin America, a critical post-developmental approach is particularly relevant. This approach closely links modernity to coloniality and its debates are permeated by the concept of colonized nature and by trenchant critiques of 21st century neo-extractivism . This article presents the social diversity and biocultural legacies of forest peoples who live in the basins of the Tapajós and Trombetas rivers. We present an analysis of particular areas and locales, to reveal ways that plunder is perpetrated by capital, in collusion with different spheres of the State. This analysis, in turn, allows us to reflect on different forms of forest peoples’ resistance in defence of their traditionally occupied territories and ways of life.