The construction of narratives based on illusions is a central feature of information warfare and is used to influence perceptions and shape interpretations of events for the benefit of political or strategic interests. The final report of the JPCI (Joint Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry) on the acts of January 8, 2023 exemplifies how assumptions were transformed into a narrative of an alleged coup d’état, without concrete evidence to support the accusation.
The Hybrid War Connection
Hybrid war exploits internal vulnerabilities, such as social divisions and informational fragility, to destabilize institutions and governments. In the case of the January 8 acts, the narratives suggesting a coup d’état, despite the lack of evidence, reflect typical components of this strategy, such as the manipulation of narratives and the use of disinformation.
The narrative of the alleged coup specifically targeted the Armed Forces, especially the Special Forces of the Brazilian Army, and social cohesion. This type of approach seeks to weaken democratic foundations and foment internal conflicts by amplifying speculative accusations and exploiting political polarization.
Supposition of a coup d’état
The acts of vandalism in Brasilia on January 8 were quickly framed by sectors of the media aligned with the government and allied parties as an attempted coup d’état orchestrated by extremist forces linked to former president Jair Bolsonaro. However, this narrative was built on illusions and lacks solid foundations, as pointed out in the JPCI’s final report.
By reinterpreting disorganized actions based on public sources as evidence of a coup plot, this narrative illustrates how information warfare uses speculation to generate political and social impact.
Main conclusions of the JPCI report
The JPCI report debunks central points of the coup thesis and refutes allegations directly linking Special Forces soldiers to the acts of vandalism. Among the main findings:
Origin and Purpose of the Special Forces:
The Special Forces, created in 1957, focus on defense against external threats and act within the limits of legality and military hierarchy. There is no historical or operational link with the repressive organs of the military dictatorship, such as the DOI-Codi¹. Narratives that try to associate them with authoritarian actions are speculative and anachronistic.
Actions of January 8th:
The report concluded that the acts were uncoordinated, without strategic planning or specialized military tactics. The actions were described as amateurish, based on public information and without any indication of direct involvement by Special Forces soldiers.
Management of resources and equipment:
The management of Special Operations Command (COpEsp) resources follows public rules, with strict oversight. Equipment such as balaclavas and explosives used in the acts can be easily acquired on the common market, and there is no evidence of a connection with military training or the use of official resources.
Military Hierarchy and Discipline:
The Special Forces act only under superior orders, within clear guidelines. Any action outside these parameters would be a serious disciplinary violation, something that was not identified in the JPCI’s investigations.
Political Narrative:
The attempt to link the acts of January 8 to a coordinated coup has been largely disproved. The narrative, centered on personal connections and irrelevant figures, lacks concrete evidence, reflecting more a political exploitation of the event than a factual analysis.
Narratives that try to undermine the Brazilian Army and other military institutions, often by associating them with anti-democratic actions or conspiracies, can have different motivations, depending on who promotes them and the context in which they arise. The illusions directed against the Armed Forces generally seek to undermine their legitimacy, weaken their political influence.
What are the possible intentions behind these narratives?
Weaken the Army’s Institutional Authority
The Brazilian Army is one of the country’s most respected institutions, often seen as a symbol of stability and sovereignty. Narratives that associate the institution with illegal or anti-democratic actions have the potential to erode this public trust, weakening its moral and institutional authority.
- Intent: To reduce the Army’s capacity to intervene as a mediator in moments of national crisis or to play strategic roles in internal and external security issues.
Political polarization and use as a scapegoat
In contexts of intense political polarization, the Army can be used as a target to blame a “common enemy” and divert attention from other problems or government failures. Associating the army with conspiracy theories or coups can serve political interests by creating a discourse of “military threat”, useful for mobilizing popular support against political opponents.
- Intention: To use the Army’s image to reinforce the narratives of rulers or parties that present themselves as “defenders of democracy”.
Reducing the political influence of the Armed Forces
Since Brazil’s re-democratization, the Armed Forces have adopted a role more restricted to national security, but they maintain significant influence in matters of defence and sovereignty. Narratives associating the military with coup actions or anti-democratic activities may be an attempt to limit their participation in political or strategic decisions.
- Intention: To consolidate broader political control over military institutions, restricting their autonomy and influence in government affairs.
Delegitimize Conservative Values Associated with the Army
The Army is historically associated with values such as patriotism, order and discipline, which are often linked to conservative political sectors. Narratives that attack the institution can be aimed at weakening these values, especially in scenarios where ideological polarization is on the rise.
- Intention: To weaken conservative political movements by attacking one of their strongest institutional symbols.
Weakening the Role of Sovereign Defense
Narratives that seek to destabilize trust in the army can be part of strategies to weaken its ability to defend national interests. This includes protecting borders, natural wealth and fighting organized crime.
- Intent: To make Brazil more vulnerable to external influences and reduce its ability to respond autonomously to global threats.
A Narrative Confronted by the Facts
The JPCI report countered the coup thesis with fact-based analysis, showing that the actions of January 8 were disorganized, amateurish and disconnected, with no evidence of coordinated coordination or military involvement. The conclusion that there was no articulated plan reflects the disconnect between the amplified narrative and the reality investigated.
The case of the January 8, 2023 acts exemplifies how narratives based on illusions can be used to shape political interpretations without factual backing. The thesis of an alleged coup d’état, which has been widely disproved by the JPCI report, reinforces the importance of responsible, evidence-based analysis to prevent information wars from compromising the truth and democratic stability.
¹DOI-Codi was an acronym for the Detachment of Information Operations – Internal Defense Operations Center, an agency that operated during the military regime in Brazil (1964-1985).