In 2025 Brazil saw a landmark rupture with more than two centuries of near‑impunity for senior officers. Former president Jair Bolsonaro, a retired captain, and several four‑star generals and an admiral were convicted on charges including attempt to subvert the constitution and membership of a criminal organisation.
Brazil military reform
The convictions prompted a public debate about how to modernise and democratise the armed forces. Political scientist and military analyst Ana Penido, of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told Brasil de Fato that while reform is feasible it will not be swift.
“It is possible to have armed forces aligned with democratic values,” Penido said, “but a military remains an institution governed by hierarchy and discipline. Internal democracy is not intrinsic to its structure.” Her remarks reflect a tension at the heart of any reform effort: preserving operational effectiveness while increasing transparency and public accountability.
Penido highlighted how the composition and culture of the military reflect broader social inequalities. She noted an upper leadership that is predominantly white while conscription recruits are largely young, black men from poorer neighbourhoods. Ideological homogeneity is another concern. Existing studies indicate a right‑leaning tilt within the forces, with limited research into the full spectrum of political views across branches.
That cultural profile matters because, according to Penido, some incidents were judged within the barracks more as betrayals of colleagues than as attacks on democratic institutions. Leaked comments that encouraged aggression against fellow officers and circulation of demeaning memes provoked strong internal backlash. “Within the armed forces it was more serious to betray colleagues than to attempt a coup,” she said, underscoring how norms of internal loyalty can override constitutional duty.
The analyst argued the judicial process has shown the rule of law can reach senior military figures, but she warned that legal rulings alone are not sufficient. “This is not about punishing particular officers. That is the judiciary’s job and it is doing it. The missing piece has been political action from the executive and legislative branches,” Penido said.
She listed several priorities for reform: clearer definitions of the military’s role so they are not used for civil projects better managed by civilian ministries; measures to diversify recruitment and leadership; protections for service members expressing dissenting views; and robust internal grievance mechanisms. Public opinion plays a decisive role, she added. For political leaders to pursue reform they need public support and a clear narrative about the purpose of change.
Penido also recommended that active service members continue to be restricted from public political endorsements, while reservists may participate more freely. She stressed the need for reforms that consider both domestic challenges and shifting international tensions, citing increased geopolitical friction in the region.
As Brazil contemplates institutional changes after the 2025 convictions, the path ahead will require sustained political leadership, engagement with civil society and reforms that reconcile military discipline with democratic accountability. Without that, Penido warned, the country will lose a rare opportunity to renew civil‑military relations.
Key Takeaways:
- High‑ranking convictions in 2025 ended centuries of impunity and raised urgent questions about military oversight.
- Analyst Ana Penido argues Brazil military reform is possible but requires long‑term institutional and cultural change.
- Within the armed forces loyalty to colleagues often outweighed adherence to democratic norms, complicating accountability.
- Meaningful reform will need political will, public engagement and clearer limits on military roles.
