The Diffusion of Populism From the United States to Brazil - A Qualitative Analysis

Populism is a hot-button topic that has captured the attention of academics and journalists the world over. Notably, in Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro was thrust into the highest office in the land, to the surprise of observers. In this thesis, I investigate whether this really is such a surprise, seeing as the study of transnational networks of activists may help to explain why Jair Bolsonaro won and also why far-right populism has gained traction in Brazil.

Specifically, I examine the influence of activists from the United States on the populist movement in Brazil and on Brazilian politics as a whole.

I conclude that the study of populism should not be divorced from the study of transnational networks of activists and that the American Populist Right did have a noticeable, tangible effect on the Brazilian Populist Right and correspondingly Brazilian politics.