Politics of Impunity: Torture, the Armed Forces and the Failure of Justice in Brazil

Politics of Impunity examines the failure of the anti-impunity agenda in Brazil, connecting debates on critical military studies, transitional justice, and memory studies. It explores the conditions of possibility of the global anti-impunity agenda and provides a new reading of transitional justice, investigating alternative ways of understanding militarism in the absence of warfare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Politics of Impunity: Examining the Failure of the Anti-Impunity Agenda in Brazil
Introduction:
Politics of Impunity is a comprehensive study that delves into the failure of the anti-impunity agenda in Brazil, spanning from the release of the truth commission report in 2014 to the election of former-paratrooper and far-Right leader Jair Bolsonaro in 2018. The book connects debates on critical military studies, transitional justice, and memory studies, going beyond the implementation of accountability measures. It explores the conditions of possibility of the global anti-impunity agenda, examining when, how, and why the question of impunity became a dominant discourse in discussions about large-scale political violence.
The Brazilian Case:
The Brazilian case serves as a pivotal example in the book. It provides a unique lens through which to examine the failure of the anti-impunity agenda. The country's history of military dictatorship (1964-1985) and the subsequent transition to democracy have been marked by impunity and a lack of accountability. The truth commission report, released in 2014, documented the crimes of the military regime and highlighted the need for justice and reparations. However, the report's recommendations were largely ignored, and the perpetrators of human rights abuses remained unpunished.
The Election of Jair Bolsonaro:
The election of Jair Bolsonaro in 2018 marked a significant setback for the anti-impunity agenda. Bolsonaro, a former-paratrooper and far-Right leader, has been accused of promoting authoritarianism, racism, and misogyny. His election was seen as a victory for those who opposed the anti-impunity agenda and a rejection of the country's democratic institutions.
The book argues that the failure of the anti-impunity agenda in Brazil can be attributed to several factors. One of the key factors is the lack of political will and commitment to addressing impunity. The Brazilian government has been reluctant to prosecute military officials and other perpetrators of human rights abuses, often citing the need to respect the rule of law and the principle of due process. This has led to a sense of impunity among those who have committed crimes, as they know that they will not be held accountable.
Another factor contributing to the failure of the anti-impunity agenda is the lack of institutional capacity and resources. The Brazilian judiciary and law enforcement agencies are often underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult to investigate and prosecute cases of human rights abuses. This has led to a backlog of cases and a lack of justice for victims.
The book also highlights the role of transitional justice in addressing impunity. Transitional justice refers to the process of addressing the legacies of past human rights abuses and promoting justice and reconciliation. The book argues that transitional justice can be effective in Brazil, but only if it is implemented in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
One of the challenges facing transitional justice in Brazil is the lack of political support. Many politicians and other influential figures have opposed transitional justice, arguing that it is a threat to national security and stability. This has led to a lack of funding and resources for transitional justice programs.
Another challenge facing transitional justice in Brazil is the lack of institutional capacity and resources. The Brazilian judiciary and law enforcement agencies are often underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult to investigate and prosecute cases of human rights abuses. This has led to a backlog of cases and a lack of justice for victims.
The book also highlights the role of memory studies in addressing impunity. Memory studies refer to the study of how individuals and communities remember past events and how these memories shape their present and future actions. The book argues that memory studies can be effective in Brazil, but only if they are used in a way that promotes justice and reconciliation.
Conclusion:
Politics of Impunity provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the failure of the anti-impunity agenda in Brazil. The book connects debates on critical military studies, transitional justice, and memory studies, and provides a new reading of transitional justice. It reveals the ways in which narratives of accountability and the memory of militarism work to demarcate and restrict what counts as unacceptable violence, who counts as victims/perpetrators, and what counts as reasonable forms of justice and resistance. The book's findings are relevant not only to Brazil but also to other countries that are grappling with the legacy of human rights abuses. By understanding the factors that contribute to the failure of the anti-impunity agenda, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474491518