Reducing violence against defenders of the Amazon: a political economy approach
Written by TPP Principal Niki Palmer, this Working Paper examines why violence against environmental defenders in Brazil’s Amazon remains so widespread, despite laws meant to protect them. It shows that the issue is driven not only by political and economic interests in land and resource extraction, but also by competing ideas about what the Amazon represents.
For some, the Amazon is a vital global ecosystem; for others, a cultural homeland; and for many, a frontier of opportunity. These conflicting narratives shape behaviour, deepen polarisation and help explain why land-grabbing and violence often go unpunished.
The paper sets out three practical pathways that could shift incentives and improve protections:
- Strengthening the voice and influence of defenders
- Increasing the economic value placed on conservation, and
- Expanding international financing for forest protection.
It offers a clear, grounded analysis for readers looking to understand the dynamics driving violence in the Amazon and what might realistically change them.
Governance in a new development paradigm: Reformer leadership and partnership humility
This Working Paper, written by TPP Principal Wilfred Mwamba, calls for a major shift in how international actors support governance. It shows reforms only endure when domestic reformers lead, urging partners to drop “performance theatre” and back genuine, locally led, politically grounded change.
New guidance on context analysis
In collaboration with the Thinking and Working Politically Community of Practice, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, TPP Director Laure-Hélène Piron has prepared a guidance note setting out options for context analysis (political economy analysis, conflict analysis, institutional reviews, etc). It provides advice to make sure the analysis is politically informed and influential with decision makers.
A new narrative for climate action in a radically changed world - Part 3
In Part 3: Arguments for international climate action, TPP Director Neil McCulloch shows how this new approach would change international cooperation on climate action.