A guerra silenciosa: o discurso de Nikolas Ferreira em “A guerra silenciosa: o discurso de Nikolas Ferreira em “O cristão e a política: descubra como vencer a guerra cultural”

Abstract

This study analyzes the political discourse of Brazilian congressman Nikolas Ferreira in his book O cristão e a política: descubra como vencer a guerra cultural (2022), highlighting how his rhetoric reinforces the agenda of the Brazilian far right. Situated within the context of the rise of the new right and the increasing politicization of evangelical groups in Brazil, the research explores the interplay between religion and politics in legitimizing conservative discourses. Using discourse analysis as its methodological approach, it draws on Albert O. Hirschman’s three reactionary theses, perversity, futility, and jeopardy from The Rhetoric of Reaction to examine how Ferreira mobilizes notions such as family, gender, and sexuality within a rhetoric of cultural warfare. The study shows that his narrative blends elements of Bolsonarism, neoliberalism, and Christian morality to construct a political identity defined by opposition to progressivism and the reaffirmation of traditional values. It concludes that such discourse contributes to the symbolic and ideological consolidation of the far right in contemporary Brazil.