População e Sociedade

The Crisis concept and Crisology. From disruption to complex transformation

Abstract This article aims to examine the historical and conceptual evolution of the notion of crisis, emphasizing its increasing centrality in contemporary discourse across the political, economic, environmental, and public health domains. It is based on the premise that crisis, rather than representing an episodic disruption, has become a structural condition of late modernity, particularly in light of the emerging concept of polycrisis. The methodology employed is interdisciplinary and historically grounded, combining critical analysis of philosophical, theological, and political sources with an extensive review of literature in the social sciences, political theory, and epistemology. The study traces a diachronic trajectory of the concept of crisis - from its classical roots in Antiquity and medieval scholasticism, through its modern reconfigurations (especially in Enlightenment philosophy), to contemporary postmodern and systemic interpretations. This trajectory culminates in the contemporary understanding of polycrisis, in which multiple systemic crises (environmental, political, social, economic) coexist and mutually reinforce one another. Crisis is thus no longer perceived as an isolated event, but rather as a permanent and complex condition of present-day society - one that demands a systemic mode of thinking. Ultimately, the article advocates for the development of crisology as an emerging interdisciplinary field, arguing for the need to adopt systemic and transdisciplinary approaches in order to better understand and respond to the multiple, interconnected crises shaping the present world.

Polycrisis, Neoliberalism and the State in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract: This article explores the relationship between polycrises, the weaknesses of neoliberal models, and the evolving role of the State in managing uncertainty and promoting resilience. It argues that neoliberal policies, marked by deregulation and reduced State intervention, have deepened structural vulnerabilities, making societies more susceptible to systemic shocks. In response to interconnected crises, the State must be repositioned to play a more active role in market regulation, global coordination, and social protection. This shift calls for adaptive governance, and enhanced international cooperation, rather than a return to traditional interventionism. The study employs a qualitative methodology, using descriptive, explanatory, and interpretative approaches to analyse political dynamics in the twenty-first century.

The Climate Hydra: Political Challenges and Responses to the Climate Crisis

Resumo: A crise climática configura-se como um complexo jogo estratégico, no qual Portugal procura realizar movimentos acertados para salvaguardar o seu futuro. Este artigo analisa de que forma o país está a implementar políticas climáticas consideradas fundamentais para enfrentar os desafios emergentes. Questiona-se, no entanto, a suficiência e a eficácia destas medidas no contexto das exigências globais, particularmente no quadro regulatório da União Europeia. Trata-se de uma dinâmica intricada, em que cada decisão tem um impacto significativo na mitigação do risco climático. Destacam-se, ainda, dois agentes ecológicos de grande relevância - as florestas e as algas marinhas -, identificados como importantes sumidouros de carbono e, por conseguinte, peças-chave na manutenção do equilíbrio ambiental. Longe de constituir um manual técnico, o artigo apresenta-se como um contributo para a compreensão dos esforços portugueses na luta contra as alterações climáticas, abordando uma narrativa que conjuga esperança, desafios e a construção de um futuro sustentável.

Abstract: The climate crisis resembles a complex strategic game in which Portugal strives to make the right moves to safeguard its future. This article examines how the country is implementing key climate policies to address emerging challenges. However, it also questions the sufficiency and effectiveness of these measures within the broader framework of global expectations, particularly those set by the European Union. The situation presents a highly intricate dynamic, where each decision significantly influences the mitigation of climate risks. Two critical ecological agents are highlighted - forests and marine algae - identified as major carbon sinks and therefore essential components in maintaining environmental balance. Rather than offering a technical manual, this article serves as a contribution towards understanding Portugal’s efforts in combating climate change, presenting a narrative that intertwines hope, challenges, and the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

A Comparative Perspective on Surveillance: Contributions of the RISK-E-SCAPE project to new legal, social and public health solutions in case of disaster

Abstract: This contribution focuses on the concept of surveillance in the case of crisis linked to public health emergencies, specifically on disasters caused by climate change. Public health is a global matter, with a global impact - especially if we consider epidemiologic issues and climate change. Attention to detail is important, including at local levels, and helps to better prepare to mitigate disasters and to provide adequate responses. In addition, there is much to extract from the comparison of experiences, like the one made possible with the project RISK-E-SCAPE, focusing on disaster health and climate change resilience. The project is a partnership between the European Union countries and countries located in Asia, including Nepal and Bangladesh. The article builds on the basics of disaster epidemiology and underlines the importance of good collaboration and shared experiences to develop innovation in surveillance procedures.

The state of the art in practices and theories in “people on the move”

Abstract: The phenomenon of displaced populations - though as old as humanity itself - has taken on new dimensions in the contemporary context, encapsulated by the term “people on the move.” This article examines the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon, encompassing various groups such as migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals. Employing a methodological approach grounded in metadata analysis and text mining, the study aims to uncover the theoretical foundations and practical applications within this field of knowledge. The sample comprises 40 documents published over the past decade: 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, selected via the Publish or Perish tool and accounting for approximately 70% of total citations of the set of 100 documents retrieved, and 20 reports from intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, included to ensure representation of key intergovernmental and NGOs perspectives. The analysis revealed a conceptual framework that maps the interrelated theories and practices shaping discourse and action around displaced populations.

Portugal and the role of the media in the debate between society's perception of immigration and reality

Resumo: Este estudo analisa, entre 2021 e o primeiro semestre de 2025, o papel da mídia na construção da perceção pública sobre a imigração em Portugal, especialmente no cenário pós-pandemia e diante da atual crise migratória. No que tange aos imigrantes, embora algumas representações sejam favoráveis, outras reforçam estereótipos prejudiciais, influenciando na perceção equivocada da sociedade sobre o tema repercutindo-se na aceitação e integração desses grupos. Através de uma abordagem qualitativa, com recurso aos métodos exploratório e descritivo, o objetivo do presente artigo é analisar a maneira como a mídia retrata os imigrantes em Portugal e como essa representação pode influenciar o entendimento coletivo sobre a imigração em geral. Os resultados revelam uma evidente divergência entre as narrativas da mídia e os dados oficiais, enquanto as conclusões indicam a urgência de um jornalismo mais ético, fundamentado em evidências e diversificado, que possa favorecer uma representação mais justa e precisa da imigração na sociedade portuguesa.

Abstract: This study analyzes the role of the media in shaping public perception of immigration in Portugal between 2021 and the first half of 2025, particularly in the post-pandemic context and considering the current migration crisis. Regarding immigrants, while some portrayals are favorable, others reinforce harmful stereotypes, contributing to a distorted societal perception of the issue and impacting the acceptance and integration of these groups. Using a qualitative approach and drawing on exploratory and descriptive methods, the aim of this article is to examine how the media represents immigrants in Portugal and how such representation may influence collective understanding of immigration more broadly. The findings reveal a clear divergence between media narratives and official data, while the conclusions underscore the urgency of a more ethical, evidence-based, and diverse journalism that can foster a fairer and more accurate portrayal of immigration within Portuguese society.

Humanity and Resilience: child-friendly spaces in Syria’s protracted conflict

Abstract: This paper seeks to analyse how education and child-friendly spaces impact the resilience of Syrian children affected by the protracted conflict, by ensuring humanity, dignity and protection. It intends to analyse the outcomes of education spaces and specialized educational activities on safety and development leverages, such as resilience building, trauma mitigation, cognitive development or social cohesion. It will be looking into structures such as Save the Children and Hurras Network organizations within the framework of the INEE (Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies) Minimum Standards, as well as the humanitarian principles framework and the implications of the prioritization of neutrality over humanity regarding education access. Education fosters individual and societal resilience while reinforcing humanitarian efforts in child protection, mental health, psychosocial support, and livelihood recovery. The findings aim to challenge the perception of education as supplementary aid on humanitarian projects and, instead, center it as a core foundation on crisis response.

The relationship between the USA and the EU - an announced crisis?

Resumo: A eleição do Presidente dos EUA, Donald Trump, em 5 de novembro de 2024, veio trazer ao mundo, em geral, e à Europa, em particular, um clima de incertezas quanto ao futuro das relações transatlânticas. Com a ameaça crescente que paira sobre a Europa, a Presidente da Comissão Europeia, Ursula von der Leyen, veio alertar os 27 Estados da União Europeia, para a urgência em investir na defesa, através do programa “Rearmar a Europa”, com um custo previsto de 800 mil milhões de euros, mesmo que isso signifique um aumento da despesa, sem, contudo, significar um “procedimento por défice excessivo”. Com este artigo, pretende-se analisar os diferentes cenários e de que forma se podem dar respostas, tendo em conta as diferentes sensibilidades e clivagens nos 27, de forma que, de acordo com as palavras do primeiro-ministro checo, Petr Fiala, a Europa deva assumir plena responsabilidade pela sua própria segurança.

Abstract: The election of US President Donald Trump on 5 November 2024 has brought the world in general, and Europe in particular, a climate of uncertainty about the future of transatlantic relations. With the growing threat hanging over Europe, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned the 27 states of the European Union of the urgency of investing in defence, through the ‘Rearm Europe’ programme, with an expected cost of 800 billion euros, even if this means an increase in spending, without, however, meaning an ‘excessive deficit procedure’. The aim of this article is to analyse the different scenarios and how they can be responded to, taking into account the different sensitivities and divides in the 27, so that, in the words of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Europe can take full responsibility for its own security.

Latin America: contemporary migration to Brazil (2010-2025)

Resumo: Os processos migratórios são daqueles fenômenos contemporâneos desencadeados por um contexto mundial cada vez mais vulnerável e interdependente, repleto de crises políticas, sociais e econômicas, nos âmbitos locais e ou globais que tem visto de forma acelerada o aprofundamento de desigualdades agravado por polarizações ideológicas e pela disseminação de desinformação, que comprometem o diálogo. A cooperação e a governança eficaz em países da América Latina, assim como em outras partes do mundo globalizado onde a informação e a desinformação ganham velocidade cada vez mais espetacular, para o bem e para o mal, comprometendo o diálogo e a boa convivência. Países e pessoas se tornam mais vulneráveis às tramas políticas e econômicas de Estados e Corporações. Manipulações internas e externas se articulam em prol de interesses, muitas vezes mesquinhos, provocando novos arranjos sociais, obrigando parcelas de suas populações a buscar uma nova oportunidade em outros territórios, para além de suas fronteiras, longe de suas culturas, mas que possa lhes dar um novo sentido de sobrevivência. Desta forma, analisaremos dois estudos de caso, privilegiando a história oral e trabalhos recentes sobre o tema da imigração de haitianos e venezuelanos para o Brasil.

Abstract: Migratory processes are among those contemporary phenomena triggered by an increasingly vulnerable and interdependent global context, full of political, social and economic crises, at local and global levels, which have seen the accelerated deepening of inequalities aggravated by ideological polarizations and the spread of misinformation, which compromise dialogue, cooperation and effective governance in Latin American countries, as well as in other parts of the globalized world where information and misinformation gain increasingly spectacular speed, for better or for worse, compromising dialogue and good coexistence. Countries and people become more vulnerable to the political and economic plots of States and Corporations. Internal and external manipulations are articulated in favor of interests, often petty, causing new social arrangements, forcing portions of their populations to seek a new opportunity in other territories, beyond their borders, far from their cultures, but which can give them a new sense of survival. In this way, we will analyze two case studies, focusing on oral history and recent works on the theme of Haitian and Venezuelan immigration to Brazil.

The City of Huambo and the Expansion of the Portuguese Colonial Empire

Resumo: Este trabalho analisa o papel estratégico da região do Planalto Central de Angola, com destaque para a cidade do Huambo, no contexto da expansão do Império Colonial Português em território angolano. A consolidação do domínio português foi influenciada por dinâmicas políticas internas e externas ao longo de vários séculos. A literatura revela que as viagens dos descobrimentos portugueses foram precedidas por rigorosos preparativos científicos, permitindo manter em segredo a descoberta de Angola por cerca de 48 anos. A ocupação do território passou por diferentes fases, incluindo períodos marcados pelo tráfico de escravos e, mais tarde, um investimento significativo em infraestruturas e desenvolvimento económico, sobretudo no último século que antecedeu a independência de Angola. A cidade do Huambo destaca-se como um polo fundamental neste processo histórico e geopolítico.

Abstract: This work aims to analyze the contributory role that the Central Plateau region in Angola, particularly the city of Huambo, played in the expansion of the Portuguese Colonial Empire. The expansion of the Portuguese Colonial Empire in Angola was influenced by international policies and those of Portugal over several centuries. A review of the literature reveal that Portuguese discovery voyages followed scientific preparations, which allowed the secret of Angola's discovery to be kept for 48 years. The conquest of the territory in Angola had alarming periods, such as the slave trade. On the other hand, in the century leading up to Angola's independence, it was marked by investment in infrastructure and economic development.

Municipal power in the face of social changes at the end of the Ancien Régime -Elvas (1773-1779)

Resumo: A evolução socioeconómica operada ao longo da Época Moderna adquiriu maior celeridade a partir do Pombalismo. E as medidas estatais ditadas pela política de absolutismo esclarecido tiveram reflexos significativos na multissecular sociedade por ordens. Enquanto o clero e a nobreza sentiram o seu poder económico e a influência social e política enfraquecidos, diversos setores da burguesia viram facilitado o seu fortalecimento económico e consequentemente o seu estatuto social, que em muitos casos permitiu a nobilitação. As câmaras municipais, por serem organismos bastante próximos da população, representaram um palco onde essa luta pela ascensão social se fez particularmente sentir, com a consequente resistência da nobreza tradicional, ameaçada nos seus privilégios ancestrais. Com este trabalho, tentamos contribuir para o estudo deste fenómeno, através do exemplo ocorrido na cidade e na câmara de Elvas, entre 1773 e 1779.

Summary: The socio-economic evolution that took place over the course of the Modern Period gathered pace after Pombalism. And the state measures dictated by the policy of enlightened absolutism had significant repercussions on the centuries-old society of orders. While the clergy and nobility felt their economic power and social and political influence weakened, various sectors of the bourgeoisie saw their economic strengthening and consequently their social status facilitated, which in many cases allowed for nobilitation. The town councils, being organisations very close to the population, represented a stage where this struggle for social ascension was particularly felt, with the consequent resistance of the traditional nobility, threatened in their ancestral privileges. With this work, we try to contribute to the study of this phenomenon, through the example of what happened in the city and town council of Elvas between 1773 and 1779.