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Bret Gustafson

@bretgustafson.bsky.social
202 followers 147 following 30 posts

Anthropologist. Mostly Latin America. NACLAista. Check out www.nacla.org. Wrote Bolivia in the Age of Gas (Duke 2020).

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Reposted by Bret Gustafson
Karen Attiah @karenattiah.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I remember the day that I found out Jamal had been killed, it was the closest I had come to experiencing evil, that the human capacity for evil was real.
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Check out this week's newsletter for original reporting on Brazilian workers. Read as well about the Brazilian elections, Bukele in El Salvador, third-country deportations, gang violence in Haiti, and more. nacla.salsalabs.org/oct_2_26
nacla.salsalabs.org
What's new on nacla.org
Don't miss the latest stories from NACLA!
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
NACLA's Fall issue is out now! 🇨🇴 🕊️ "Peace From Below" explores the promises, achievements, and shortcomings of Colombia's Peace Agreement a decade after its signing, foregrounding the voices and experiences of those most affected by the country's armed conflict. nacla.org/edition/peac...
nacla.org
Peace From Below
November 24, 2026, marks 10 years since the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People’s Army (FARC-EP) signed a historic agreement intended to end more than half a cen...
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Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Brown University has a widget that tracks the cost of the Iran war to American consumers (as contrasted to whatever the Pentagon is spending). Per-household cost now exceeds $600. iranwarcost.watson.brown.edu
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Rebecca Nagle @rebeccanagle.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Ute Tribe is trying to buy back ancestral land in Utah, but a state lawmaker is conspiring to stop them. Instead of #LandBack, this Utah Republican wants the land to be set aside for recreational hunting. www.hcn.org/articles/how...
hcn.org
How a Utah Republican’s quiet battle for hunting access undercut LandBack hopes - High Country News
Utah Rep. Casey Snider spent years quietly carrying out a plan to guarantee hunter access to pristine roadless country — by blocking the Ute Indian Tribe from buying it back.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Taylor Farms' parent company has given $2.2M to GOP PACs this election cycle. That includes $1M to Trump's own PAC, just 6 days after the FDA delayed new food tracing requirements last year. Money in politics is sickening.
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Sabrina Fernandes @sabrinafernandes.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I was with Tom Parkin and Nikki Hill last week, bringing an overview of the dilemmas over here in Brazilian politics, as we prepare for this year's electoral dispute.
youtube.com
Bolsonaro vs Lula: a Brazilian president who’s a friend to Canada — or servant of Trump?
YouTube video by Left East to West
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Viet Thanh Nguyen @vietthanhnguyen.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Like vinyl records, the humanities will make a comeback
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WashU AAUP @washuaaup.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Our own Greg Magarian (Thomas and Karole Green Professor of Law at WashU) writes on "the report" for the Gateway Journalism Review gatewayjr.org/commentary-c...
gatewayjr.org
Opinion: The campus culture war comes to WashU - Gateway Journalism Review
Last year, Donald Trump proposed a “compact” for higher education that would have subordinated academic freedom to a conservative.
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WashU AAUP @washuaaup.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
WashU AAUP in the news as St Louis Magazine chronicles faculty dismay toward that dismal "report" www.stlmag.com/news/washu-f...
stlmag.com
WashU faculty pushes back on ‘illegitimate’ report co-commissioned with Vanderbilt
Even though class is out for the summer, Washington University faculty are abuzz with discussions of a recent report—jointly commissioned by the chancellors of WashU and Vanderbilt University—meant to...
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Rosemary Joyce @rajoyce.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Reupping my own thread here; Jon Marks expands on the many ways the “report” is wrong from the perspective of anthropology. If there still were a blog culture I’d have expanded this thread somewhere but have yet to move to one of the platforms that people tell me would work. So for now this is it…
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Rosemary Joyce @rajoyce.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Anthropological research on subsistence is offered in the dangerous and authoritarian “report” on the humanities as a key example of supposed ideological weakening of scholarship. This critique begins to show how the key example cited actually proves the opposite. Let’s go into it in some depth 1/
insidehighered.com
Academic Authoritarianism in New Attack on Humanities Scholars
There is virtually no evidence offered in the report for its sweeping conclusions about the entirety of the humanities.
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anthrofuentes.bsky.social @anthrofuentes.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
see same point and a few more made here: www.chronicle.com/article/are-...
chronicle.com
Opinion | McCarythism Dressed Up as an Academic Report
We should not be distracted by the bogeyman of social-justice scholarship.
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Bret Gustafson @bretgustafson.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
If you're going to LASA in Paris, stop in for a drink with @nacla-report.bsky.social !!! Wed May 27
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
The spring issue JUST DROPPED and it is 🔥! This issue examines the consolidation of a hemispheric bordering regime, tracing how border violence has moved from the margins to the center of political life across the Americas. Guest edited by Soledad Álvarez Velasco, Dawn Marie Paley, and P.S.D.
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Anjali Dayal @anjalikdayal.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
It’s arguably less a war than it is just a string of war crimes
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Rima I Anabtawi @rimaanabtawi.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as 'gravest crime against humanity' The proposal was adopted with 123 votes in favour and three against - the **United States, Israel** and Argentina. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as 'gravest crime against humanity'
The landmark resolution calls for an apology and contributions to a reparations fund, without specifying an amount.
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Dr. Nick Posegay @nposegay.northsky.social · 04/03/2026
Every single one of those graves is for a little girl between 7 and 12 years old. This is the reality of American imperalism.
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Peter Jeffe @pjeffe.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
"The Israeli right wing is determined to tear down every last vestige of International Humanitarian Law as it was legislated into being after WW II, and has cheapened public discourse to the point where no public officials even bother to call out these serial war crimes."
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Adam Schwarz @adamjschwarz.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Spanish PM Sánchez responds to Trump: "Spain is against this disaster... Govts are here to improve people's lives... It is absolutely unacceptable that those leaders who are unable to fulfill that mission use the smoke of war to hide their failure, and in the process, fill the pockets of a few."
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AAUP @aaup.org · 04/03/2026
“Our vision for a fully-funded public education, where a professor can write and teach freely, and can challenge every vapid, cruel argument federal and state governments make, sustains us. It’s what we’re fighting for.”  —Todd Wolfson, AAUP President
progressive.org
The Right Expands Its Campaign to Censor College Professors
PEN America called 2025 ‘a year of catastrophe for higher education,’ but professors are fighting back against censorship.
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Targeted with death threats, violence, and bogus legal charges, the Ch’orti’ people in Guatemala are still fighting to permanently close a mining project that has polluted their lands. Read their story at nacla.org nacla.org/guatemalan-i...
nacla.org
A Guatemalan Indigenous Council Struggles Against a Mine
Targeted with two deaths and legal charges, Ch’orti’ people are fighting to permanently close a mining project that has polluted their lands.
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Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of historian Vicente Rafael, author of five books & many articles with DUP. Here is our remembrance.
buff.ly
Farewell to Vicente Rafael
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Vicente Rafael on February 21, 2026, at the age of 70. Vince was the author of five books with Duke University Press, a contributor to several edited…
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National Security Archive @nsarchive.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Other key records posted today include cables from the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, which in the immediate aftermath of the massacre named the military as responsible. nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-boo...
nsarchive.gwu.edu
The Long Shadow of Dos Erres
Washington, D.C., February 24, 2026 - After a decade-long investigation and a trial lasting more than five weeks, a federal court in Ottawa has ruled to revoke the Canadian citizenship of a Guatemalan...
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AAUP @aaup.org · 15/02/2026
“Abolishing gender programs & the lessons they have taught, will, Trump & his acolytes hope, undermine our ability not just to condemn, but also to critically analyze the policies & practices they want to impose.” Must Read by Joan Scott, member of the AAUP’s Committee on Academic Freedom.
theguardian.com
Gender studies courses are shutting down across the US. The Epstein files reveal why | Joan Wallach Scott
Texas A&M University is the latest school to end women’s and gender studies programs and teaching race. We know why
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Hester Blum @hesterblum.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Must-read:
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Sabrina Fernandes @sabrinafernandes.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Meu artigo do mês para o @intercept.com.br aborda as mentiras sobre o desenvolvimento que são usadas pelo lobby empresarial na sanha por privatizar serviços, explorar recursos e destruir a natureza em nome dk crescimento econômico.
intercept.com.br
As mentiras por trás do discurso de desenvolvimento de empresários e políticos | Intercept Brasil
De Daniel Vorcaro à Cargill, Sabrina Fernandes analisa como o estado atua como balcão de negócios para empresários enquanto vende a destruição de biomas como crescimento econômico.
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Steven Nelson @snelsonus.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
If Bad Bunny can cover the history of Puerto Rico, colonialism, transatlantic slavery, hemispheric consciousness, as well as contemporary life and politics in under 14 minutes, you can do your 15- or 20-minute conference presentation with time to spare.
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Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Through this #SuperBowl weekend, you can get the e-book edition of "P FKN R" by Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau for $9.99 or less! Links to retailers are on our site. #BadBunny buff.ly/c3O101k
Cover of P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance by Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau. The title is in large white and yellow letters against a background featuring the Puerto Rican flag colors—red, white, and blue. The subtitle reads is highlighted in a black and yellow box. An illustration of Bad Bunny wearing a yellow outfit and a large straw hat, holding a microphone with yellow lightning bolts emanating from it is in the lower half. The authors' names are displayed at the bottom in red and blue text.
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Reposted by Bret Gustafson
𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡: 𝙰 𝙼𝙰𝙳 𝙼𝙰𝚇 𝚂𝙰𝙶𝙰 @outlawvern.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
It's pretty funny that Bari Weiss is purposely trying to recruit all the shittiest people on earth to destroy CBS News but she has to fire them whenever it becomes public that they're THIS shitty.
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Molly Jong-Fast @mollyjongfast.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Stephen Miller is 10 times more dangerous than Kristi Noem who is also dangerous. Best case scenario is that they somehow ruin each other.
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Alejandro Alvarez @aletakesphotos.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
A lot of people gathered tonight outside the Department of Veterans Affairs in D.C. for a vigil memorializing Alex Pretti, who worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital.
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
In the latest episode of Under the Shadow, Michael Fox looks at the misconceptions, myths, and misinformation that have been spread about Venezuela in the wake of the US invasion. Listen to the episode at nacla.org📻nacla.org/debunking-us...-4
nacla.org
Debunking the US narrative on Venezuela - North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA)
Michael Fox looks at the misconceptions, myths, and misinformation that have been spread about Venezuela in the wake of the US invasion.
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Gregg Gonsalves @gregggonsalves.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
They are going to throw someone under the bus beyond Bovino and we shouldn’t be fooled by this. Even if Noem or others go Miller and Trump are still there to ensure this won’t be over until they are all gone and held accountable for their crimes.
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Join us next Thursday, Jan. 29 to discuss the U.S. intervention in Venezuela with Alejandro Velasco, Gabriel Hetland, Andreina Torres Angarita, and Christy Thornton. Register here to attend in person or online 👇 bit.ly/4r29vyx
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Destiny’s Pile @destinyspile.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
As a Minneapolis resident, I’ll explain it this way: they already outnumber all PDs in the metro area, and we’re still not backing down. They have assault rifles and Kevlar vs our phones and whistles, and we’re still not backing down. Their morale is already shit, and we’re just getting started.
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Unicorn Riot @unicornriot.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
NEW: Over a thousand protesters visited two hotels in downtown Minneapolis on Friday night, equipped with loud noise makers, in an attempt to disrupt the sleep of any ICE officers who may be staying in the hotels. 30 were arrested.
unicornriot.ninja
Large Noise Demo Against ICE Crashed by Police Who Arrest 30 - UNICORN RIOT
Minneapolis, MN — Over a thousand protesters visited two hotels in downtown Minneapolis on Friday night, equipped with loud noise makers, in an attempt to disrupt the sleep of any ICE officers who may...
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Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
A Black man named Keith Porter was shot and killed by an ICE officer on New Year’s Eve. Marimar Martinez was shot five times by an ICE officer in Chicago who went on to brag about leaving seven holes in her body. This is not new but it is expanding.
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Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Israel has killed 71,000+ Palestinians. Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least seven Americans. Israel has taken $21+ billion in US aid while doing it all. And still, the Trump-Vance-Rubio administration celebrates Donald Trump receiving the "Israel Award":
White House tweet:
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces President Trump is awarded with the Israel Prize. 🇺🇸🇮🇱

"It's going to be awarded to President Donald J. Trump for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people" - 
@IsraeliPM
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Patrick Canning 🇨🇦 @patrickcanning.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Takeaway from this Aug 2025 article: - big oil wants in to Venezuela - Chevron has stayed while Exxon was kicked out - Exxon-backed NGOs have pushed for action while Chevron-backed have not.. Guess who won that one?
responsiblestatecraft.org
US non-profits 'in the tank' for Exxon, Chevron over Venezuela oil
As US sends warships to the region it's important to note that lobbyists and think tanks that get big bucks have been fanning the flames right here in DC
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Qasim Rashid, Esq. @qasimrashid.com · 29/12/2025
As these war criminals meet, remember that Israel is still bombing Gaza with US weapons, the genocide is ongoing, and at least 8000 Palestinian hostages remain in Israeli prisons. Corporate media will likely ask about none of these atrocities.
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aaup-americanu.bsky.social @aaup-americanu.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
It's a failure of the academic imagination to think cutting core mission is the best route to right-sizing. Keep your teachers and researchers and lower class sizes (post pandemic students need more attention). Get ur savings by cutting admin fat and all the contracts with groups like Huron.
goldengatexpress.org
SFSU offers buyouts to all tenure-track and tenured faculty
The Voluntary Separation Incentive Program is a “balancing act,” where there is a stronger incentive for tenured and tenure-track faculty to retire and open up room to hire back lecturer faculty.
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Shane Anderson 🏳️‍🌈 @shaneanderson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
"This promise of an AI future, is really just a collective anxiety that wealthy people have about how well they're gonna be able to control us in the future." - @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit. Incredible words. Listen to all of it!
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NACLA Report @nacla-report.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Check out this week's newsletter for original reporting on the deadly contradictions of the "War on Drugs" in Latin America. Read as well about Chile's right-wing turn, Bolivian fuel subsidies, U.S. threats against Venezuela and Colombia, and more. nacla.salsalabs.org/dec_19_25
nacla.salsalabs.org
What's new on nacla.org
Don't miss the latest stories from NACLA!
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Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
In "P Fkn R," Vanessa Díaz and Petra Rivera-Rideau offer a portrait of the past and future of Puerto Rican resistance through one of its loudest and proudest voices: Bad Bunny. Read the intro for free on our site! buff.ly/hbSewLN
Cover of P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance by Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau. The title is in large white and yellow letters against a background featuring the Puerto Rican flag colors—red, white, and blue. The subtitle reads is highlighted in a black and yellow box. An illustration of Bad Bunny wearing a yellow outfit and a large straw hat, holding a microphone with yellow lightning bolts emanating from it is in the lower half. The authors' names are displayed at the bottom in red and blue text.
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GRAIN @grain.org · 15/12/2025
Aunque financiado sobre todo por China, el puerto de Chancay abre las puertas a inversionistas de cualquier bandera. Bajo la desgastada promesa del “desarrollo”, se profundizará el modelo extractivista en América del Sur grain.org/e/7341
grain.org
El puerto de Chancay: un dramático impulso para el extractivismo en América del Sur
Aunque financiado sobre todo por China, el puerto de Chancay abre las puertas a inversionistas de cualquier bandera. Bajo la desgastada promesa del “desarrollo”, se profundizará el modelo extractivist...
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
“Tell your children who the cowards were.”
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Center for Economic and Policy Research @ceprdc.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Congressional pressure on the administration is the best way to stop an impending war with #Venezuela, Mark Weisbrot tells BBC News.
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Bret Gustafson @bretgustafson.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Trump’s War on Venezuelans: From Operation Aurora to Operation Southern Spear nacla.org/trumps-war-o...
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Bret Gustafson @bretgustafson.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Heroes. www.studlife.com/news/2025/11...
studlife.com
Encampment teach-in seeks to reopen discussions about Palestine on campus - Student Life
Last week, three students and two faculty members recounted their experiences of the April 27 pro-Palestine protest and attempted encampment in the first event explicitly related to remembering the ev...
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