Paul Beck, Sarah Brooks, and Richard Gunther delve into the similarities between the voter bases of former President Donald Trump and current Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in this Mershon supported project, exploring the dynamics of their populist appeals and the factors that drove their respective electorates to support them.
Jair Bolsonaro (the “Trump of the Tropics”) and Donald Trump often are described as very similar political leaders – demagogic, bombastic, authoritarian, conservative populist, polarizing, sharing advisors, and losing their runs for reelection to their country’s presidency, then challenging the outcome.
Drawing upon national surveys of Americans in 2020 and Brazilians in 2022, the project examines the similarities and differences in the voter bases for these two presidents. Both were found to be highly polarizing and heavily supported by ideological conservatives and the religiously oriented more than by any other characteristics. Trump voters were more “populist” in their attitudes, while a substantial number of Bolsonaro supporters favored military rule. Authoritarian tendencies can be seen in the attitudes of both sets of voters, and disturbingly high numbers of Trump supporters expressed a willingness to resort to violence in pursuit of their political objectives. Like other examples of democratic decline, the threats to democracy they posed became clear after they took office rather than as a product of an election rally of anti-democratic voters.
About Mershon Monday
Mershon Mondays encourage Ohio State researchers in different disciplines, career stages, and professional networks to share ideas and perspectives on global security questions. A light lunch is served. Given a strong response in the fall, we're now requesting advance registration.
