Pedro Camelo: The Discursive Construction of the Brazilian Far Right: Media Discourses, (Accounts of) Journalistic Practice and Normalisation

Abstract

This study presents a critical discourse analysis of the discursive construction of the far right in Brazil. It examines the relationship between Brazilian media and contemporary politics in light of the recent emergence of radical right-wing movements and leaders in the country, epitomised in particular by the former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

First, a literature review (Chapter 2) introduces key concepts relevant to the study, particularly in relation to contemporary dynamics in politics, media and journalism. A discourse-centred theoretical framework (Chapter 3) then outlines the main analytical categories underpinning this research. Next, a contextual background chapter (Chapter 4) sheds light on both historical and contemporary issues shaping the relationship between Brazilian politics and the media. The methodological chapter (Chapter 5) presents the research design, situating the study within the broader tradition of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), and specifically its Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), before outlining the analytical categories and data subjected to empirical investigation.

The subsequent three empirical chapters summarise the findings of a critical discourse analysis of Brazilian news media texts published between 2011 and 2018 (Chapter 6) and between 2018 and 2024 (Chapter 7), as well as interviews conducted with Brazilian journalists covering the country’s political affairs (Chapter 8). The concluding chapter (Chapter 9) summarises the main findings of the research, reflects on its limitations and outlines potential paths forward.