Based on the theory of strategic silence, this paper analyzes the mobilization of social movements in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, following 2022 presidential elections and the unexpected silence of...Show moreBased on the theory of strategic silence, this paper analyzes the mobilization of social movements in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, following 2022 presidential elections and the unexpected silence of President Bolsonaro about his loss. The objective of this paper is to understand the degree to which silence influence collective mobilization. By drawing on social movements theory and political strategic silence theory, this paper creates a theoretical model to test the effects of silence, thus challenging a long existing notion that the effects of silence cannot be studied due to the difficulty in establishing casual links. A qualitative case study allied with semi-structured interviews of 8 protest leaders are used to test the theoretical model and understand the extent to which Bolsonaro’s silence played a part in their decision to mobilize. This paper finds that political strategic silence may increase the likelihood of mobilization when political opportunity, perceived threats and framing are also present.Show less
This study investigates the relationship between violent protest and popular support for the military in Latin America and Chile, Recently, Latin America has experienced a large wave of violent...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between violent protest and popular support for the military in Latin America and Chile, Recently, Latin America has experienced a large wave of violent anti-government protests causing unrest and instability in the region. Simultaneously, a growing trend shows that Latin American citizens are becoming more supportive of the military. Accordingly, existing theories on militarization have not yet sufficiently analyzed the link between these two variables. While scholars often indicate that insecurity and distrust in political institutions are important determinants to growing levels of support for the military, they have not yet been linked directly to violent protest. Therefore, this research aims to build upon these works and theorizes that violent protest leads to feelings of insecurity and distrust in political institutions which in turn, drives citizens to grant more authority to the military. It is found in the Chilean case that violent protest generally does not lead to higher levels of support for the military although it does fuel demands for a short-term military solution to curb public disorder.Show less
