THREATS TO BRAZILIAN DEMOCRACY: POLITIZATION OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THE RISKS TO THE DEMOCRATIC STATE

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.2163232311095

• Palavras-chave: Politicization; Armed forces; Democracy; Military intervention; Political stability

• Keywords: Politicization; Armed forces; Democracy; Military intervention; Political stability

• Abstract:

  This essay explores the influence of the Armed Forces on Brazilian politics and the risks that this politicization can entail for democracy. The context of recent presidential elections and the history of military politicization and the prospect of military intervention in the electoral process highlight challenges faced by the Brazilian democratic system. The country's political culture, with its history of strong politicization of the Armed Forces, often associated with actions that are harmful to democracy, increases the concern regarding the resurgence of the possibility of military intervention in elections. Given this scenario, the objective of this study is to analyze the risks of politicization of the Armed Forces for democracy and to investigate measures to ensure its depoliticization, aiming to maintain the impartiality and prestige that its professionalism deserves. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the Armed Forces and politics in order to safeguard democratic integrity. It highlights the importance of analyzing the political influence in the Armed Forces before and after redemocratization, as part of an effort to sustain democratic stability in the country. In view of this, the measures necessary to avoid setbacks in democratic achievements are highlighted. Ultimately, the depoliticization of the Armed Forces emerges as a crucial factor for the maintenance and strengthening of Brazilian democracy.