Right-wing parties and leadership styles: Notes on the Argentinian PRO and the Brazilian PSL

Abstract

Objective/context: This study intends to compare the conditions that contributed to the birth, development and triumph of the new right-wing parties in Argentina and Brazil (PRO and PSL) and in the factors that could be associated with the radicalization or moderation of their leaderships (Mauricio Macri and Jair Bolsonaro, respectively). Methodology: Based on the review and analysis of the specialized literature, this article identifies the main conditions that contributed to the consolidation of right-wing parties in Latin America and in particular the most relevant external and internal factors that favored the development and success of PRO and PSL in addition to the moderation or radicalization of their leaders. Conclusions: A plausible explanation is that the development and triumph of these parties are mainly linked to the conditions of each nation and with the capacity of the parties and their leaders to take advantage of them. While the limits of their leaderships could be mostly attributed to the national socio-political historical legacies. Originality: There are few studies that compare the cases of Argentina and Brazil; even more those related to their new right-wing parties and recent leaderships.