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Helcimara Telles

PhD in Political Science (University of São Paulo – USP). Professor at UFMG - Federal University of Minas Gerais, president of ABRAPEL - Brazilian Association of Electoral Researchers. Member of the Board of Directors of Wapor - LATAM.

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In the name of God: the messianic nature of populism

Bolsonaro and Chávez, from opposite ideological poles, share the same political resource: the use of religious symbols and narratives to construct themselves as messianic leaders and legitimize power projects that strain liberal democracy.

Dominion theology and the culture wars in Brazilian politics

Dominion Theology is pushing a politico-religious offensive in Brazil: occupying institutions, imposing biblical morality and waging "culture wars" against LGBTQIA+ rights, abortion and gender-sensitive education. With Bolsonaro and figures like Nikolas Ferreira, conservative Pentecostalism is gaining power, stressing the Judiciary and eroding secularism and democracy.