States of Exception in cooperation

The relation between France and Portugal in the colonial period

Authors

  • Caio Manzoli UFF

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14244./2238-3069.2025/28

Keywords:

Colonialism, State of Exception, Anti Colonialism

Abstract

During the 20th century, France and Portugal established a significant cooperative relationship to manage the administration of their colonies, particularly during the emergence of nationalist movements on the African continent. This research aims to analyze the factors that enabled the consolidation of this connection, as well as to examine the depth and relevance of this dynamic for the perpetuation of colonialism in the post-war period. To this end, the concept of the State of Exception, popularized by Giorgio Agamben, and its potential applications to the colonial context are mobilized, in conjunction with the analysis of accounts from Portuguese military personnel who trained in Algiers with French troops. Finally, this article seeks to develop a reflection on colonial cooperation in comparison to anti-colonial cooperation, highlighting how Algerian and Angolan fighters sought to legitimize their supportive relationship based on the existence of a link between their colonizers.

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Published

2025-12-19