Jennifer Piscopo
Scholars and journalists tend to focus on the misogyny of right-wing autocrats. But Jennifer Piscopo argues that we shouldn't overlook the patriarchal attitudes of left-wing populists. They may not directly attack women and gender minorities, but they also roll back gender equality gains Read more
Rebecca Sanders
The reversal of Roe, bans on teaching about gender, and gunmen showing up at drag shows all are part of a trend in US and international politics. Rebecca Sanders and Laura Dudley Jenkins call it 'patriarchal populism'. They explain what patriarchal populism is, and three tactics used to undermine and attack established women’s and LGBTQ+ human rights Read more
Jonathan Powell
Observers were quick to call the events on 8 January in Brazil a coup attempt. But Jonathan Powell and Salah Ben Hammou caution against conflating coup advocacy with coup attempts. Authoritarianism scholars should also note that usage of the term 'coup' has historically varied Read more
Johanne Døhlie Saltnes
Lula’s presidential election victory in Brazil has the potential to re-set EU-Latin American relations through ratification of the EU-Mercosul agreement. Yet, writes Johanne Døhlie Saltnes, there remain competing European and Brazilian demands that must be balanced Read more
Eduardo Burkle
Bolsonaro's first term saw a decline in democracy and human rights in Brazil. Recent attacks on the media and judiciary, arguing election fraud, show how a second term for the far-right populist would only enhance Brazilian autocratisation. Democracy is on the line as the run-off elections approach, writes Eduardo Burkle Read more
Franziska FN Schreiber
Despite harsh criticism of his government performance, Bolsonaro managed to attract significant public support in the recent election, writes Franziska F. N. Schreiber. The populist incumbent promoted voters’ trust by responding to their anxieties and uncertainties, and perpetuating myths Read more
Luca Manucci
Luca Manucci argues that illiberalism and autocratisation have too readily been labelled as ‘populism’, an all-embracing concept which simply helps to provide cover to the neo-fascist cause. This has led to surprise when a politician like Giorgia Meloni, leading a party with neo-fascist roots, reaches the brink of power Read more
Bruna Fontes de Azevedo Palma
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has raised international concern for spreading misinformation, and for his constant attacks on the media. Bruna Fontes de Azevedo Palma writes about Brazil's decline of the right to opinion and expression during Bolsonaro's presidency. She also speculates how this might influence the imminent presidential election Read more
