The state of Rio de Janeiro is experiencing a slow and persistent decline, evident in the deterioration of public services and the economy. Central to this decline is the degradation of public safety, characterized by a close relationship between police forces and organized crime. Without addressing these foundational issues, the state is unlikely to see any recovery. This perspective is highlighted in a new book titled "Um renascer para o Rio – Propostas para um estado próspero e sustentável," which brings together some of the top experts in security, social sciences, and economics to provide a comprehensive analysis.

The authors of the book delve into technical diagnoses and strategies aimed at tackling what they identify as the "internal enemy": systemic corruption and the exhaustion of a fragmented development model heavily reliant on oil. They argue that the focus of the crisis in Rio de Janeiro lies in police corruption, which is not merely an individual issue, but rather a structural problem wherein security institutions engage in illegal activities, either competing or collaborating with various crime factions and militias. This intertwining of law enforcement and criminal influences poses significant challenges to restoring law and order in the region.

Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes re-evaluating the role of police in society, implementing reforms to minimize corruption, and establishing more accountable governance structures. The solutions outlined by the experts in the book call for a renaissance in both thought and action to rejuvenate Rio de Janeiro into a prosperous and sustainable state, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the stability of the region hangs in the balance.