Studies on companies and dictatorial regimes in the 20th century: international research agenda and recent advances in Brazil

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes recent advances in Brazilian historiography regarding the relationship between companies and dictatorial regimes in the 20th century. The topic forms part of an international research agenda, which saw significant progress following the notice issued by Unifesp’s Centro de Antropologia e Arqueologia Forense (CAAF) on the topic, in which 13 companies were studied for their responsibility for violations committed during the 1964 dictatorship. We problematize the historiographical and conceptual advances regarding the responsibility of companies for violations and economic benefits in the Brazilian dictatorship.

KEYWORDS:
Companies; Dictatorial regimes; Corporate responsibility; Company history; Brazilian business-military dictatorship