Variations in right-wing populism: a comparative study of Türkiye and Brazil

Abstract

How do right-wing populists in power differ? This article analyses the variations in right-wing populism through a comparative examination of the governments of T & uuml;rkiye's Erdo & gbreve;an and Brazil's Bolsonaro. It aims to systematically categorise the differences in their political strategies, party organisation, and social policy frameworks. T & uuml;rkiye illustrates a fusion of right-wing populist ideology with a neoliberal agenda, anchored in a robust party structure that channels partisan resource distribution through networks involving religious non-governmental organisations and civil society actors. In contrast, Bolsonaro's weak party apparatus produced a tutelary dynamic within his administration, making it heavily reliant on military backing and evangelical support. His government prioritised the interests of the middle and upper-middle classes, while largely sidelining social policy initiatives.