A região transnacional entre Brasil, Colômbia e Peru como escala de análise para a tríplice fronteira

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the tri-border area between Brazil, Peru and Colombia through the delineation of a transnational region. The objective is to demonstrate that the current studies on local (study of twin-cities or border points) and political-territorial (with fixed boundaries and limits) scales are not adequately portraying the reality of that space, especially by ignoring the Peruvian element and its influence. Drawing from natural, historical, social and economic characteristics of the area, a sketch of sub regional spaces within the three countries was made, based on mutual affinities, which would integrate into a transnational proto-region. Then, we conducted an analysis of various geographic networks originated in Peru (fresh food, industrial products, chinglings) that currently articulate and influence the region and the daily life of its inhabitants. After field visits and checking the density of geographical networks in Brazil, it was concluded that a crystallization of networks is taking place, leading to a hierarchical network of locations (urban network) polarized by Iquitos within the transnational space, which further strengthens the regional unit. At the end, it is also argued how territory-building happens in this particular regional space: horizontal forms of territorial production (everyday zonal flows) compete and supplant vertical territorial forms of production (power yields, institutions, laws and orders from extra-regional political and economic players). The transnational region appears as a mediator category of analysis between networks and the territory. Given its stability, extension and cohesion, it is possible to analyze the space and the relationships between its actors beyond political boundaries and not restricted to time or economic circumstances. Extrapolate boundaries and understand the fabric of regional relations is necessary in order for public policies, regional actions and new academic works to have better impacts in border regions.