Rafael Resende reflects on the dangers of political polarization and proposes liberalism as a path to balance
Brazil is facing one of the most challenging moments in its history, marked by a sharp difference between the “right” and “left” camps. In this scenario, divisions have become so intense that, when criticizing the government, many are immediately labeled by the far left as “fascists”, while criticism of the government are also classified by the extreme right in a pejorative way.
This scenario reveals, however, a fundamental gap: most people, unfortunately, do not understand the ideologies that label their opponents, such as fascism and communism. In the midst of this dichotomy, the question arises: how to position yourself in a balanced way? In 2022, many Brazilians, like the author of this text, adopted the hashtag “#NemBolsonaroNemLula”, symbolizing the desire to escape polarized options. Until 2016, the author was considered a defender of the right, mainly for supporting the liberal economic model. However, it was in that same year that he discovered the “Livres” movement, starting to delve deeper into the ideas of liberalism.
It brought a valuable lesson: adopting a rigid position, whether on the right or the left, can restrict critical thinking and even the sense of justice. The dispute between these two poles turned into a kind of “Fla x Flu”, with each side passionately defending their pet politician. This reflection proved to be decisive in the author’s trajectory as a consultant in public management and is equally important for any professional area, in addition to being essential for the exercise of citizenship.
The “divide and conquer” strategy, used by historical figures such as Julius Caesar, Philip II of Macedonia and Napoleon Bonaparte, remains alive in contemporary Brazil. The polarization between right and left, or between Bolsonarism and Lulopetismo, feeds back on each other, keeping both sides on a constant rise. Meanwhile, issues essential to the country’s progress are often neglected in favor of empty ideological disputes.
However, it proposes an alternative approach, based on a balance between fiscal and social responsibility. This perspective allows us to recognize the value of proposals that come from both the right and the left, without compromising critical thinking and the search for practical solutions. The key to overcoming polarization is dialogue. Only through a respectful exchange of ideas, with a focus on building consensus, will it be possible to advance in the construction of Brazil.
*Rafael Resende is an entrepreneur, consultant in Public Management and Political Sciences, and leader of Livres
This publication is a partnership between Jovem Pan and Livres
Livres is a non-profit civil association that brings together activists and liberal academics committed to public policies to expand freedom of choice
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
