2021 Brazilian military crisis

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The 2021 Brazilian military crisis refers to the tensions and controversies involving Brazil's military, government, and political leadership during that year. While not a "crisis" in the conventional sense of a military coup or direct conflict, the situation stemmed from a series of political developments and military actions that raised concerns about the role of the military in Brazil's governance and the strength of its democracy.^[1]

Here are the key events and factors that made 2021 a significant year in terms of the Brazilian military's involvement in politics:

• President Jair Bolsonaro's Relationship with the Military: Since Bolsonaro took office in 2019, his administration has been closely linked to the military, with many of his cabinet members coming from military backgrounds. His government often sought military support for its policies, especially in the context of handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In 2021, Bolsonaro's alignment with the military grew more visible. He relied on former military officers to fill key positions in government. This included figures like General Walter Braga Netto, who was appointed as Minister of Defense, and other former military personnel being appointed to leadership roles in state-run companies and ministries.

• Military Role in the Pandemic Response: The Brazilian military played a significant role in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The armed forces helped with the distribution of vaccines, logistical support, and even in setting up field hospitals. However, there was controversy over how Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic was often at odds with public health advice and the military's actions.
• Bolsonaro’s Position on COVID-19: Bolsonaro downplayed the severity of the pandemic, promoting unproven treatments and opposing lockdown measures. This led to tensions between the president, the military, and health authorities. The military had to navigate its support for Bolsonaro’s policies, despite growing public criticism.

• The Bolsonaro-Led Military's Growing Political Power: Throughout 2021, there were concerns that the military's growing involvement in politics could undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions. Bolsonaro made several controversial statements regarding the military’s role in political matters, suggesting that the armed forces could intervene in the political process if the country faced "election fraud" or other perceived threats.
• Election Concerns: Bolsonaro repeatedly cast doubt on the integrity of Brazil's electronic voting system, despite no substantial evidence of fraud. In August 2021, he suggested that the military might need to become involved in ensuring the legitimacy of the upcoming 2022 presidential election. His comments led to fears of a potential military coup or an attempt to dispute election results.

• Military Leadership and Public Perception: While some senior officers in the Brazilian military publicly expressed loyalty to Bolsonaro, many others maintained a more neutral stance. High-ranking officers, including those in the Brazilian Army, voiced concerns about the implications of Bolsonaro’s rhetoric and the possibility of politicizing the military. Some military officials also distanced themselves from Bolsonaro’s most extreme claims, such as questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process.
• Military's Allegiance: In the face of increasing political polarization, it was unclear whether the military would fully back Bolsonaro if the situation escalated further. However, the military maintained its role as an apolitical institution, though its involvement in the government raised questions about its independence.

• Anti-Bolsonaro Protests: In 2021, Brazil saw widespread protests against Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic and his failure to secure vaccines. These protests were largely led by civil society, opposition parties, and political groups advocating for stronger governance. Bolsonaro’s approval ratings dropped significantly as a result of his controversial pandemic response, and there were concerns about rising authoritarian tendencies in his government.
• Pro-Bolsonaro Military Displays: In contrast, Bolsonaro also mobilized pro-military and pro-government demonstrations. These included protests organized by his supporters where there were displays of military support for his government. These actions led to fears of escalating tensions between the Bolsonaro administration and his critics, including military involvement in political activities.

• The real military "crisis" came in the form of political instability, heightened by the COVID-19 situation and Bolsonaro's increasingly confrontational relationship with democratic institutions. Some critics feared the military might intervene or influence the 2022 presidential election if Bolsonaro faced a significant loss at the polls.
• Resignation of Key Military Figures: Throughout 2021, there were notable resignations within the Ministry of Defense, including the departure of all three military service chiefs in March 2021: the Army, Navy, and Air Force commanders. Their resignations were attributed to growing tensions between the military and Bolsonaro's government over issues related to the pandemic and political strategy.

• Bolsonaro’s Rhetoric on the 2022 Elections: Bolsonaro raised the specter of military involvement in the 2022 presidential election, suggesting that the armed forces could be used to monitor the election process for any signs of fraud. He repeatedly claimed that the electronic voting system was vulnerable, although there was no evidence to support these claims.
• This rhetoric prompted widespread concern that Bolsonaro might attempt to challenge the legitimacy of the election results if he lost, with the military playing a key role in his plans.

While the 2021 Brazilian military crisis was not a traditional military coup, it was marked by growing military politicization, conflict within government ranks, and an increasingly authoritarian atmosphere under President Jair Bolsonaro. The military’s involvement in the government and its potential role in the 2022 elections became a central issue, creating fears of a breakdown in democratic norms. Ultimately, the political and military dynamics in Brazil in 2021 set the stage for ongoing concerns about the relationship between the military, the government, and democratic institutions leading into the 2022 presidential election.

1. ↑ "Home - BBC News". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
2. ↑ "Home - BBC News". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.