The Theory of Virtuous Violence in the US and Brazil

In this project, I examine the psychological phenomenon of virtuous violence (i.e., the misguided belief that committing violence is both moral and ethical), as well as its impacts on both smaller and larger scales. On a more individualized level, I examine a number of theories that underlie virtuous violence, such as psychic numbing, security prominence, the social theory of dominance, and right wing authoritarianism. On a more global scale, I compare the January 6th Insurrection at the US Capitol and the 2023 Brazilian Congressional Attack, both of which can be considered examples of virtuous violence. I examine the commonalities, as well as the points of difference, between these two tragic events. In terms of parallels, both the January 6th Insurrection and the 2023 Brazilian Congressional Attack stemmed from similar motivations and political conditions created by authoritarian leaders. I also examine how the damages that occurred in both scenarios were different from one another. I then discuss future directions for research relating to virtuous violence, real world examples of virtuous violence (as well as its implications), and the ways in which we, as a society, can strive to eradicate the use of virtuous violence around the world.