From Integralism to Bolsonarism: A Deep Dive into the Roots of Brazil's Far Right

The Unraveling of a Nation: From Integralism to Bolsonarism

In the year 2022, Former Captain Jair Bolsonaro is elected as Brazil's President by a landslide vote. His victory stands as a testament to the growing strength of the far right in Brazil and Latin America as a whole. But what are the roots of this phenomenon? How did Brazil, a country with a long tradition of democracy and social justice, come to embrace such a figure?

Fascism in Brazil: From Integralism to Bolsonarism (Routledge Studies in Fascism and the Far Right)

by Leandro Pereira Gonçalves

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The answer to these questions lies in Brazil's past and in the rise of a far-right ideology known as integralism.

Integralism: The Seeds of Brazil's Far Right

Integralism is a nationalist, authoritarian, and anti-communist ideology that emerged in Europe in the early 20th century. It was brought to Brazil by Plinio Salgado in the 1930s and quickly gained a following among young people who were disillusioned with the country's political and economic problems.

Integralists believed that Brazil was in a state of decline and that only a strong leader could save it from the dangers of communism and liberalism. They advocated for a corporatist state in which all sectors of society would be organized into a single, hierarchical structure under the control of the government.

Integralism reached its peak in Brazil in the 1930s, when it was supported by elements of the military, the Catholic Church, and some intellectuals. However, its popularity began to decline after World War II, when the Allies defeated the Axis powers and integralism was discredited.

The Legacy of Integralism in Brazil

Even though integralism lost its mass support after World War II, its influence continued to be felt in Brazilian politics and society. Many of the ideas and values that were central to integralism were absorbed by other far-right groups, such as the National Liberation Alliance (ANL) and the Brazilian Integralist Party (PIB).

These groups continued to promote the belief that Brazil was in a state of decline and that only a strong leader could save the country. They also espoused anti-communist and anti-democratic views, and they were often involved in violence and intimidation.

Bolsonaro and the Far Right in the 21st Century

The election of Jair Bolsonaro to the presidency in 2018 was a watershed moment for the far right in Brazil. Bolsonaro is a former army captain who has openly praised the country's military dictatorship and made numerous racist, homophobic, and sexist remarks.

Bolsonaro's victory was due in part to the long-standing influence of integralism and other far-right ideologies in Brazil. However, it was also the result of a number of other factors, including the country's economic problems, the rise of social media, and the growing influence of the evangelical church.

Bolsonaro's presidency has been marked by a number of controversies, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his attacks on the press and the judiciary, and his support for policies that have benefited the wealthy and harmed the poor.

The Future of Brazil's Far Right

It is too early to say what the future holds for Brazil's far right. However, it is clear that the ideas and values that were central to integralism continue to resonate with a significant segment of the Brazilian population.

If Brazil's economy continues to struggle, and if the country's democratic institutions continue to be weakened, then the far right could experience a resurgence of support. It is important to remember that integralism is not merely a historical curiosity. It is a potent ideology that continues to shape Brazilian politics and society today.

The rise of Brazil's far right is a complex phenomenon that has its roots in the country's history and in the global resurgence of nationalism and populism. Understanding the history of integralism and its legacy in Brazil is essential for understanding the challenges that the country faces today.

Only by confronting the past and confronting the far right's dangerous ideas can Brazil build a more just and democratic future.

Fascism in Brazil: From Integralism to Bolsonarism (Routledge Studies in Fascism and the Far Right)

by Leandro Pereira Gonçalves

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	158 pages

FREE