Republic and slavery: democratic transition for whom?

On November 20, the Day of Black Awareness (Dia da Consciência Negra) in Brazil is celebrated. To discuss this date, it is necessary to revisit contemporary events to the 1888 Abolition of Slavery, such as the Proclamation of the Republic and the promulgation of the Constitution of 1891. These are three historical phenomena that represent an important moment of transition in Brazil, which will guide the construction of the Brazilian state. Equally important for this construction is the process of redemocratization, marked by the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution. It is important to talk about transition, because in the end we must ask ourselves: democratic transition for whom?
(more…)

The “new politics” as a repetition of the national authoritarian tradition

Mass protests have emerged in different countries of the globe. In Barcelona, ​​Spain, the Catalan independence movement has raised protests against judgments handed down by the Spanish Supreme Court against separatist leaders. In Hong Kong, protesters have organized themselves against Chinese interference and to claim for rights. In Latin America, many are struggling with austerity policies that result in worsening inequality and poverty. In Chile, the country with the highest per capita income in the region, anti-neoliberal movements are seeking the implementation of public policies that reverse social framework resulting from the economic policy of the last decades, seeking to guarantee access to minimal material goods for everyone. In Ecuador, the implementation of drastic measures seeking compliance with an agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund led to the establishment of a state of exception for 60 days. (more…)