THE GREAT TRIBULATION OF BRAZILIAN DIPLOMACY: ANTI-GLOBALISM, FUNDAMENTALISM AND EVANGELICALS IN BOLSONARO'S FOREIGN POLICY (2019-2021)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between evangelicals, particularly neo-Pentecostals, and Brazilian diplomacy during the first three years (2019-2021) of Jair Bolsonaro’s government. The justification lies in the historical role of religion in Brazilian politics and its instrumentalization in Bolsonaro’s rise and support. The general objective is to understand how religiosity influenced Brazil’s foreign policy, with a focus on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The methodology includes an analysis of speeches by the president, ministers, and religious leaders, as well as national media coverage and academic literature on religion and International Relations. The study concludes that religious influence was a key factor in foreign policy formulation, with the Itamaraty being used as a bargaining tool for neo-Pentecostal groups. The Brazilian case exemplifies the relevance of religion in the public sphere and its integration into the academic debate on International Relations.