Episode Details

Brazil's presidential runoff has become a battle between the people and the algorithm. After Flavio Bolsonaro edged out Lula in the first round, millions poured into the streets to overturn the result. I am joined by journalist Sarah Vivacqua and Professor Afonso de Albuquerque of Fluminense Federal University to examine the forces backing Bolsonaro, from Meta's suppression of pro-Lula content to US-cultivated neo-Pentecostal churches. We discuss why Brazil's critical minerals make it a prize in Washington's contest with China, and why even sections of the military fear a Bolsonaro victory. Whatever the outcome, Albuquerque argues, Brazil will emerge stronger as the empire meddling in its politics decays.