The Intelligence from The Economist Losing the plot: Brazil-US relations tested
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Sep 15, 2025 
Hal Hodson, the editor of the America section at The Economist, discusses the fallout from Jair Bolsonaro's recent sentencing and the resulting tensions in Brazil-US relations. He highlights Donald Trump's allegations of a 'witch hunt' and explores how this verdict impacts diplomatic dynamics. Additionally, Hodson touches on the rise of niche sports like padel and tag, which are garnering sponsorship and changing the landscape of athletic competition despite the challenges of audience engagement.
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Conviction Reshapes Brazil Politics
- Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years for attempting to organise a coup against Brazil's democratic institutions.
- The conviction alters Brazil's domestic politics and its relationship with the United States.
U.S. Frames Reaction As Free-Speech Defense
- The U.S. government framed its reaction as defending free speech and called the Brazilian trial unjust.
- Washington repeatedly presented the case as a matter of freedom of expression rather than endorsement of Bolsonaro's actions.
Son Lobbies From Texas
- Eduardo Bolsonaro moved to Texas to lobby for his father and appeared to gain traction in Washington.
- Donald Trump views Bolsonaro as a compatriot and likely sees parallels with his own January 6th experience.