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Anthony  Pereira

Professor Anthony Pereira

Professor of Brazilian Studies

Research interests

  • Conflict
  • Human Rights
  • Politics

Biography

Anthony W. Pereira is a Visiting Professor in the Brazil Institute at the School of Global Affairs at King’s College London and the Director of the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Centre at Florida International University. From 2010 to 2020 he was the founding director of the Brazil Institute at King’s.

Professor Pereira’s research interests include authoritarianism and democracy, human rights, public security, and international relations and foreign policy. He has a B.A. in Politics from Sussex University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University.

He has held positions at the New School for Social Research, the Fletcher School at Tufts University, Tulane University and the University of East Anglia. Professor Pereira has also been a visiting professor in the Department of Political Science at the Federal University of Pernambuco and at the Institute of International Relations at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. He has been a Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays fellow and received grants from, amongst other funders, FAPESP, the São Paulo research council, the British Academy, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Organization of American States.

Professor Pereira’s PhD dissertation focused on the role of rural trade unions in northeast Brazil in expanding democratic rights in two different periods, the early 1960s before the military coup of 1964 and the late 1970s and 1980s, when Brazil’s authoritarian regime was ending. This research led to the publication of the book The End of the Peasantry: The Rural Labor Movement in Northeast Brazil, 1961-1988 (University of Pittsburgh Press, 1997).

Professor Pereira’s next major research project was on the treatment of dissidents and opponents by the authoritarian regimes of Brazil (1964-85), Argentina (1976-83), and Chile (1973-90). Professor Pereira argued that Brazil’s more judicial approach to repression resulted in an “authoritarian legalism” that bound judicial and military actors within the military court system and and shaped the treatment of political prisoners. It also created an official transcript that made a rupture with this approach, and the military court system, more difficult after the transition to democracy. This project resulted in the publication of Political Injustice: Authoritarianism and the Rule of Law in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005) which was published in Brazil as Ditadura e Repressão (Paz e Terra, 2010).

His other books include Right-Wing Populism in Latin America and Beyond (Routledge, 2023); Modern Brazil: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2020); (with Jeff Garmany) Understanding Contemporary Brazil (Routledge, 2018); (with Lauro Mattei) The Brazilian Economy Today: Towards a New Socio-Economic Model? (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015) and (with Diane Davis) Irregular Armed Forces and their Role in Politics and State Formation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003). His articles have appeared in journals such as Comparative Political Studies, Latin American Research Review, Commonwealth and Comparative Politics, Rising Powers Quarterly, the Bulletin of Latin American Research and the Journal of Latin American Studies. Professor Pereira is also an associate fellow at Canning House and a regular contributor of articles to the Brazilian publication Interesse Nacional. He was President of the Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA) from 2014 to 2016 and is an occasional commentator on Brazil in the media.

Research

  • The rise of right-wing populism and its impact on democracy in Brazil.

  • Brazilian contributions to the increasingly multipolar world order.

  • Conflicts over rights and citizenship in Brazil in comparative perspective.

 

PhD supervision

See Anthony's research students

Further details

See Anthony's research profile

    Research

    KBI City Hall, Erechim, Brazil (2)
    Governance, leadership and democracy

    This research group explores Brazil's transition to democracy, the quality of democracy, transitional justice and human rights.

    GACS Research Group Picture
    Global (Anti)corruption Studies research group

    A research group examining corruption and anticorruption in the Global South.

    Bolsonaro Yellow Background
    Authoritarianism and populism research group

    Examining the rise and effects of authoritarianism and populism.

    News

    Indigenous people in Brazil at risk of losing their right to land following controversial court case

    King’s Academic warns how the state decision could set a precedent for many other cases unless overruled by the Supreme Court

    Brasilia Protests 2021

    Introducing a new Director for the King's Brazil Institute

    The Brazil Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director, Dr Vinicius de Carvalho

    Dr Vinicius de Carvalho and Professor Anthony Pereira

    Brazil Institute awarded 2018 Order of Cultural Merit in Brazil

    The King's Brazil Institute has been awarded a knight's status of the Order of Cultural Merit by the Government of Brazil – the only European institute to...

    Brazil Institute awarded 2018 Order of Cultural Merit in Brazil

    Events

    15FebBrazil week 2022

    Long transitions: Policies of reparations and memory of authoritarian regimes and support for democracy in Argentina and Brazil

    This presentation will be held by Oswaldo Amaral (Political Science, Unicamp) on how authoritarian regimes and support for Democracy have impacted Argentina...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    06AprBrazil

    Book Discussion - Decadent Developmentalism: The Political Economy of Democratic Brazil by Matthew Taylor

    A panel organised by the King’s Brazil Institute and the Department of Political Economy to discuss Dr Matthew Taylor’s new book Decadent Developmentalism:...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    25JanBrazil week 2021

    Brazil Week: Opening Lecture

    Join us for the official opening of Brazil Week 2021, with the launch of the King's Brazil Institute's 10 year report and a lecture by Professor Anthony...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    02FebBrazil democratisation 1985

    Brazil 36 Years After the End of the Military Regime: Celebration and Concern

    A celebration of Brazil’s 36th anniversary of re-democratisation, reflecting on some of the most important challenges that remain for the country in its...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    13NovKBI_Oxford logos

    Eleições Municipais no Brasil: Pontos e contrapontos

    A discussion on the upcoming municipal elections in Brazil

    Please note: this event has passed.

    28MayWorld_we got this_main

    WORLD: we got this | Brazil in focus

    Join us for this discussion on how COVID-19 has impacted Brazil and the decline of its economy.

    Please note: this event has passed.

    27JanBrazil Week 2020

    Building Brazil's collective memory: Brazil Week 2020 opening ceremony

    Join us in celebrating Brazil Week 2020 with keynote speaker, Dr Andreza de Souza Santos followed by a concert with King's Brazil Ensemble.

    Please note: this event has passed.

    31JanBrazil Week 2020

    Closing ceremony and panel on environmental disasters in Brazil

    Join us for Brazil Week 2020 closing ceremony, with documentary about the disaster in Brumadinho, followed by a panel on dams in Brazil.

    Please note: this event has passed.

    Features

    Brazil's military is supposed to safeguard democracy – yet its threat of intervention hangs over politics

    Anthony Pereira, Visiting Professor at the School of Global Affairs, discusses the role of the armed forces in the Brazilian state.

    Then President Jair Bolsonaro taking part in the Brazilian Army Day celebration in April 2019 at the headquarters of the Brazilian Army Command in Sao Paulo

    Brazil election: victorious Lula faces an uphill struggle – a damaged economy and a deeply divided country

    Following Lula's presidential election win, Anthony Pereira discusses some of the struggles he now faces.

    brazil flag

    Populism: What Next?

    Ahead of a two-day conference entitled 'Populism in Latin America and Beyond', Professor Anthony Pereira explores what happens next to the the defining...

    Protests in Brazil_hero

    Donald Trump gets coronavirus: what catching COVID-19 meant for Boris Johnson and Jair Bolsonaro

    The Conversation asked two experts on British and Brazilian politics to assess what impact catching COVID-19 had on the two leaders.

    Trump&Johnson_COVID-positive

    Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro has coronavirus – what it could mean for him politically

    What political questions's does President Bolsonaro's COVID diagnosis raise?

    brazil

    Why Bolsonaro is not solely to blame for Brazil's politics

    Professor Anthony Pereira and Dr Jeff Garmany explores just how much Bolsonaro has caused Brazil’s current political polarisation.

    Brazil map

    Trading beyond Brexit: is the UK ready?

    Experts from King’s College London give their views on the UK’s current position and look at the challenges the UK faces in relation to securing its place...

    shipping-containers-1096829_1920

    Spotlight

    Spotlight on COVID: The impact of the pandemic on Brazil

    Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of King's Brazil Institute, discusses the future of President Bolsonaro and how his leadership in dealing with the...

    spotlight-covid-1920

      Research

      KBI City Hall, Erechim, Brazil (2)
      Governance, leadership and democracy

      This research group explores Brazil's transition to democracy, the quality of democracy, transitional justice and human rights.

      GACS Research Group Picture
      Global (Anti)corruption Studies research group

      A research group examining corruption and anticorruption in the Global South.

      Bolsonaro Yellow Background
      Authoritarianism and populism research group

      Examining the rise and effects of authoritarianism and populism.

      News

      Indigenous people in Brazil at risk of losing their right to land following controversial court case

      King’s Academic warns how the state decision could set a precedent for many other cases unless overruled by the Supreme Court

      Brasilia Protests 2021

      Introducing a new Director for the King's Brazil Institute

      The Brazil Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director, Dr Vinicius de Carvalho

      Dr Vinicius de Carvalho and Professor Anthony Pereira

      Brazil Institute awarded 2018 Order of Cultural Merit in Brazil

      The King's Brazil Institute has been awarded a knight's status of the Order of Cultural Merit by the Government of Brazil – the only European institute to...

      Brazil Institute awarded 2018 Order of Cultural Merit in Brazil

      Events

      15FebBrazil week 2022

      Long transitions: Policies of reparations and memory of authoritarian regimes and support for democracy in Argentina and Brazil

      This presentation will be held by Oswaldo Amaral (Political Science, Unicamp) on how authoritarian regimes and support for Democracy have impacted Argentina...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      06AprBrazil

      Book Discussion - Decadent Developmentalism: The Political Economy of Democratic Brazil by Matthew Taylor

      A panel organised by the King’s Brazil Institute and the Department of Political Economy to discuss Dr Matthew Taylor’s new book Decadent Developmentalism:...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      25JanBrazil week 2021

      Brazil Week: Opening Lecture

      Join us for the official opening of Brazil Week 2021, with the launch of the King's Brazil Institute's 10 year report and a lecture by Professor Anthony...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      02FebBrazil democratisation 1985

      Brazil 36 Years After the End of the Military Regime: Celebration and Concern

      A celebration of Brazil’s 36th anniversary of re-democratisation, reflecting on some of the most important challenges that remain for the country in its...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      13NovKBI_Oxford logos

      Eleições Municipais no Brasil: Pontos e contrapontos

      A discussion on the upcoming municipal elections in Brazil

      Please note: this event has passed.

      28MayWorld_we got this_main

      WORLD: we got this | Brazil in focus

      Join us for this discussion on how COVID-19 has impacted Brazil and the decline of its economy.

      Please note: this event has passed.

      27JanBrazil Week 2020

      Building Brazil's collective memory: Brazil Week 2020 opening ceremony

      Join us in celebrating Brazil Week 2020 with keynote speaker, Dr Andreza de Souza Santos followed by a concert with King's Brazil Ensemble.

      Please note: this event has passed.

      31JanBrazil Week 2020

      Closing ceremony and panel on environmental disasters in Brazil

      Join us for Brazil Week 2020 closing ceremony, with documentary about the disaster in Brumadinho, followed by a panel on dams in Brazil.

      Please note: this event has passed.

      Features

      Brazil's military is supposed to safeguard democracy – yet its threat of intervention hangs over politics

      Anthony Pereira, Visiting Professor at the School of Global Affairs, discusses the role of the armed forces in the Brazilian state.

      Then President Jair Bolsonaro taking part in the Brazilian Army Day celebration in April 2019 at the headquarters of the Brazilian Army Command in Sao Paulo

      Brazil election: victorious Lula faces an uphill struggle – a damaged economy and a deeply divided country

      Following Lula's presidential election win, Anthony Pereira discusses some of the struggles he now faces.

      brazil flag

      Populism: What Next?

      Ahead of a two-day conference entitled 'Populism in Latin America and Beyond', Professor Anthony Pereira explores what happens next to the the defining...

      Protests in Brazil_hero

      Donald Trump gets coronavirus: what catching COVID-19 meant for Boris Johnson and Jair Bolsonaro

      The Conversation asked two experts on British and Brazilian politics to assess what impact catching COVID-19 had on the two leaders.

      Trump&Johnson_COVID-positive

      Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro has coronavirus – what it could mean for him politically

      What political questions's does President Bolsonaro's COVID diagnosis raise?

      brazil

      Why Bolsonaro is not solely to blame for Brazil's politics

      Professor Anthony Pereira and Dr Jeff Garmany explores just how much Bolsonaro has caused Brazil’s current political polarisation.

      Brazil map

      Trading beyond Brexit: is the UK ready?

      Experts from King’s College London give their views on the UK’s current position and look at the challenges the UK faces in relation to securing its place...

      shipping-containers-1096829_1920

      Spotlight

      Spotlight on COVID: The impact of the pandemic on Brazil

      Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of King's Brazil Institute, discusses the future of President Bolsonaro and how his leadership in dealing with the...

      spotlight-covid-1920