Brasiliana: Journal for Brazilian Studies (Oct 2024)
How do we confront the authoritarian legacy? Public Policies of Memory in Brazil and the Different Perspectives on the Past
Abstract
This study examines three contested perspectives on addressing Brazil's authoritarian past in the post-dictatorship era. These perspectives influenced the decision-making processes of political actors shaping public policies on memory and truth. Through oral interview analysis, diverse perceptions emerged regarding how to confront the dictatorship's legacy, leading to distinct political actions, considerations, and priorities in transitional justice measures. The concept of "politics of silencing" describes the limitations faced in Brazil's reckoning with its authoritarian past during the redemocratization period. The study discusses the criteria for a public policy on memory, distinct from a broader policy of memory, crucial for democratic state development. It highlights the discontinuation of memory policies following the National Truth Commission's final report in December 2014, coinciding with Brazil's political and economic crisis.
