Research investigates the role of international pressure in defending Brazilian democracy
In recent years, Brazilian democracy has faced serious risks of institutional erosion, especially during the last government. From the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 to the attacks on institutions and the press that culminated in violent demonstrations against the buildings of the Three Powers on January 8, 2023, the country has undergone a process of political polarization and social discontent that has threatened its democratic foundations. In this context, a complex articulation between national and international actors has emerged in response to these threats.
The role of international pressure has proven to be fundamental in the process of defending democracy in Brazil. Therefore, it was necessary to investigate how transnational networks of activists, academics and politicians played a decisive role in increasing pressure against autocratization and preserving the functioning of democratic institutions in the country.
The research, conducted by Guilherme Casarões from FGV EAESP, together with Déborah Monte and Matheus Hernandez, was published in the journal Third World Quarterly . The study used the process tracing methodology, which seeks to connect historical events to explain a specific phenomenon, analyzing documents, interviews and primary data. In addition, the research examined five crucial phases of transnational mobilization against autocratization in Brazil. The phases begin with the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and continue until Bolsonaro's defeat in 2022.
The research identified three main groups of actors who resisted autocratization in Brazil and mobilized international pressure: institutional, political and social advocates.
While institutional defenders (such as the judiciary and Congress) operated primarily at the national level, political and social defenders relied on transnational networks to raise the costs of autocratic actions and maintain their international legitimacy. These networks were essential in preventing Bolsonaro’s reelection and thwarting his attempts to overturn the results of the 2022 election.
Finally, the research concludes that transnational networks have played a key role in defending Brazilian democracy. They have the power to act together with civil society and local political institutions. Thus, the combination of domestic and international efforts has created a crucial barrier against autocratization, demonstrating that the struggle for democracy is globally interconnected. The Brazilian case study serves as an inspiration for other nations facing similar threats. This is because the research shows that democratic resilience depends on both local actors and global networks.
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