ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the early life influences and inspirations of Jair Bolsonaro. Several Brazilian writers have attempted to capture these influences to unpack or psychoanalyse the leader’s political profile, as critically studied in this chapter. The chapter further narrates the story of how a poor youngster from Sao Paulo used a stint in the army as a springboard to a ‘better life’; and how the socio-political conditions around him aided his rise to prominence and political power – and ultimately to the position of president.
