Study Notes on Bolsonaro's Presidency and Democratic Institutions

Bolsonaro's Political Style

Bolsonaro's political style is compared to Donald Trump's, characterized by authoritarian instincts and a tendency to prioritize personal power over democratic rules.

Authoritarian Instincts

Candidates who exhibit authoritarian instincts during campaigns often implement similar behaviors and policies once in office, consolidating power and undermining democratic institutions.

Targeting Democratic Institutions

New authoritarian leaders frequently target supreme courts and judicial institutions to shield themselves from legal accountability and weaponize the law against political rivals.

Legal Manipulation vs. Military Coups

Modern autocrats often engage in legal manipulation of institutions rather than resorting to outright military coups to consolidate power.

Democratic Institutions' Response to Populists

Elected populists often face conflict with congress, courts, and media due to their politically isolated positions, with the response varying based on institutional strength.

Role of Civil Society

Organized civil society plays a critical role in opposing abuses of power and rallying public sentiment against authoritarian leaders.

Crises as Opportunities for Autocrats

Crises (economic, health, violence) often provide autocratic leaders with opportunities to consolidate power, though poor handling of crises can also weaken their public support.

Military's Role in Brazil

Brazil's military has a historically active role in politics, and its public support poses a risk to democratic integrity, as leaders might seek military backing for their agenda.

Democratic Resilience in Brazil

Despite various crises, Brazilian democracy shows notable resilience and institutional robustness, suggesting it might resist significant erosion under authoritarian pressures.