Organized Crime and Hybrid Governance of Violence in the Brazilian Amazon

This article examines the coexistence of criminal and state governance in the Brazilian Amazon since 2016. It highlights that hybrid governance, where both the State and criminal organizations share legitimacy, is a reality in these areas. Methodologically, the study employs data triangulation, drawing from interviews, conversations during two field research trips, official documents, and press articles collected between 2016 and 2024. The research reveals that the Amazon plays a crucial role in the international drug trade, functioning as a logistical hub for criminal organizations. These organizations, particularly the PCC and CV, with support from smaller groups, compete for control of the region and new illicit markets in environmental exploitation, resulting in lethal violence. The article contributes to the literature by offering a novel perspective on hybrid governance of violence in a forested area, contrasting with the usual focus on urban environments.