The Accountability Dilemma: Experimental Evidence from Brazil’s Democratic Reckoning with Fernando Bizzarro and Fernando Ojesto

This episode features Fernando Bizzarro, assistant professor of political science at Boston College, and Fernando Ojesto, Kellogg Institute guest scholar, exploring the “accountability dilemma” through the case of Brazil and the legal actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Drawing on survey data from 5,800 citizens, the conversation looks at how holding illiberal leaders accountable can reduce their public support – but also trigger backlash against democratic institutions. The episode highlights the difficult trade-offs democracies face when trying to defend themselves in highly polarized contexts.