Modernization and Political Actions in the Brazilian Amazon: The City of Barcarena, Pará

This volume offers an analysis of the territory of Barcarena, in the Brazilian Amazon. The author studies the land use and the implemented modernisation policies that made it one of the richest cities of the state. The political system uses this territory as a resource to provide for the needs of a small circle of social agents. A system of conservative political actions enforces the process of modernisation of the Baracena territory. Innovations in the Barcarena territory, such as the implementation of the aluminium factory Albras/Alunorte and the territorial configuration or public administration, lead to modernisation simulations and artificial devices. The intended effect however is more about appearing to be modern, than actual modernisation. The territorial use of Barcarena is aimed to protect the interests and privileges of the elite.