Bolsonaro, Populism and the Fascist Threat: The Role of Human Rights Defenders in Protecting Brazilian Democracy

Abstract

This paper reflects on the interface of international law, politics and the fights conducted by human rights defenders (HRDs) who challenge populist anti-democratic practices in Brazil. Based on critical analysis, the paper contends that a global tendency of the extreme right has taken Brazil over, making possible the rise of Bolsonaro as president, and bringing neo-fascist threats to the country. To validate this contention, it sheds light on the work of HRDs in promoting democracy, and exposing and remedying the adverse effects of populist undemocratic activities of the current federal government. It explains that the arrival of Bolsonaro to power was a direct result of right-wing populism, and explores how this phenomenon has augmented the threats to HRDs and democracy itself. From this perspective, the paper not only argues that HRDs must oppose Bolsonaro's hybrid regime, but also specifies feasible ways for the bolstering of Brazil's democratic institutions. In this sense, it emphasises the significance of human rights education (HRE) in challenging right-wing populism and stopping the neo-fascist wave in Brazil. The final section explains how HRDs should resist Bolsonaro's hybrid regime and confront populism in order to tackle neo-fascist threats and, as a result, strengthen Brazilian democracy.