Military involvement in political disputes as a factor of institutional instability in Brazil

Abstract

This paper looks at how recent military involvement in political disputes raises instability in Brazil. Ahead of the presidential election in October 2022, this research sheds light on how President Bolsonaro abuses the Armed Forces` prestige and power as an instrument of intimidation and political pressure. This includes encouraging followers to call for military intervention against Congress and the Supreme Court. To analyse the political instability scenario initiated in 2013, this study identifies declarations made by senior military officers and the reactions of the other two Branches to Bolsonaro’s political moves. Despite no evidence that the Armed Forces support any threat to democracy, there should be constant efforts to keep them as nonpartisan institutions. Shielding military commanders from domestic political disputes is part of this effort, which shall be considered in this study for the protection of the constitutional order.