Police and State in Latin America

"This course provides a comprehensive overview of the political, economic, and institutional landscape of Latin America, with particular emphasis on its impact on governance dynamics and mechanisms of state control. It explores key challenges related to security and insecurity in the region, with a focus on issues such as urban violence, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
A core component of the course is the study of police organizations across various Latin American countries, examining their structural characteristics, their relationships with political power and civil society, and the differences across national contexts. Special emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of abuses of power, repressive practices, and human rights violations perpetrated by police forces. Brazil will be examined as a key case study for understanding the complex intersections between security, state institutions, and human rights in the region."