Towards a Comparative Analysis of the Far-Right in Latin America

Until recently, the far-right in Latin America was often perceived as a distant phenomenon primarily limited to Europe. However, the ascension of Jair Bolsonaro to the presidency of Brazil in 2018 has brought greater attention to the far-right within the region. Despite growing interest into this topic, there remains limited clarity regarding how to define the far-right in the Latin American context and understand its increasing influence across the region. This question holds significant importance, as empirical evidence suggests that there has been no notable increase in conservative positions held by Latin American citizens. Consequently, the rise of the far-right cannot be solely attributed to a rightward shift in voter preferences. In order to shed light on this unexplored topic in Latin America, this paper offers a comprehensive analysis divided into three sections. Firstly, the paper provides an overview of conceptual debates surrounding the far-right and proposes a framework that can be effectively applied in the Latin American context. Secondly, it employs this conceptual framework to identify various far-right forces present in Latin America, highlighting the diversity in their organizational trajectories and levels of electoral support. Lastly, the paper explores context-specific factors that contribute to the rising influence of far-right groups in the region. This includes an examination of demand-side and supply-side factors, as well as the intricate interplay between national and international dynamics. By addressing these key aspects, this paper seeks to enhance our understanding of the far-right in Latin America, particularly its development, characteristics, and underlying factors.