Proximal transnationalism and identities within the border between Brazil and Paraguay

The central objective of this article is to analyze transnational practices within border regions. The theoretical analysis focuses on the participation of rural workers, including members of the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST), in transnational activities on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Based on the cross-border experience of rural workers’ relations, part of a longitudinal study starting in 2012, with annual/bi-annual visits culminating in the final fieldwork in 2024, this article argues that geographical proximity and the search for a piece of land for subsistence have an essential role in cross-border transnationalism between Brazil and Paraguay. Based on own studies, defining transnationalism within border regions as proximal transnationalism is proposed. This case study also demonstrates how the participation of this group in transnationalism, encompassing agrarian issues in both countries, contributes to the formation of Brasiguaio identity (Brazilian + Paraguayan).