The ‘othering’ mechanisms in the fight against political corruption

Abstract This article analyzes corruption as a new version of othering. Based on theoretical research, the objective is to investigate the linguistic-discursive dimension of constructing the corrupt other given the neoliberal interests of capital accumulation. First, a study is carried out on the concept of othering, based on the theoretical framework of Spivak (1985) and Said (1995), among others complementary, such as the literature that discusses Latin Americanism. Then, the mechanisms and versions of othering are analyzed, such as the humanitarian, civilizing, Human Rights, degraded land, and development mission, based on studies by Backhouse (2013), Chimni (2003), Costa and Gonçalves (2016; 2011) and Gonçalves (2017; 2015; 2012). Afterward, corruption is studied as a new version of othering, based on Bratsis (2014) and Hindess (2005), among others. Finally, the Lava Jato operation is analyzed as an othering experience in recent Brazilian political history, based on research by Ramina (2020 and 2021), Proner (2019), Romano (2021), Koheler (2015), in addition to other Latin American authors.