Rage within the machine: the engagement and radicalization of party members and leaders in Brazil¹

Abstract:

What are the drivers of party engagement in the context of increasing distrust and hostility toward political parties? In this article we argue that hatred for political parties is a significant factor that influences party engagement in today’s political landscape, in which parties are often seen as illegitimate by the public. We collected observational and experimental data through an extensive survey of members of 32 Brazilian political parties to examine how incentives can condition the participation of party members and leaders. The study’s primary findings reveal that hatred against a political party can be a powerful driver of engagement. By highlighting this contemporary feature of party activism, we hope to contribute to the debate on the challenges that democratic systems face with the rise of the far right.

Keywords:
political parties; party engagement; selective incentives; collective incentives; far right