The two faces of the Brazilian new right: antipolitics and conservative reaction

Abstract

This article seeks to understand the reorganization of the Brazilian right in reaction to the PT governments (2003-2016). It argues that the new right in the electoral and legislative arenas is comprised of two distinct strands. The new evangelical right emerged as part of a reaction to progressive changes to public values and policies and it distinguishes itself from the rest of the political right by its ultraconservative positions on moral issues. The other strand of the new right emerged from liberal, anti-PT and anti-corruption movements that organized during a series of political and economic crises between 2014 and 2018. While previous studies emphasized the ultraliberal agendas of these movements, what distinguishes these political forces is their antiestablishment profile. To demonstrate these claims, the article analyses party programs and data from surveys conducted with federal deputies in 2019.

new right; political parties; evangelicals; conservatism; radical populist right