My recent trip to Brazil happened to coincide with the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, and ever since I’ve been looking for the right person to explain how it is that a former military dictatorship is now the kind of democracy that actually brings a former leader to account. In this episode, Cristina Tardaguila, founder of the fact-checking organization Lupa, describes the rise and conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro, the impact of misinformation, and the growing (and now perhaps unstoppable) influence of China and Russia in Brazil. Cristina shares insights into the creation and evolution of Lupa, the complexities of Brazilian democracy, and the economic and political dynamics shaping the nation’s complicated future.

00:00 US Diplomacy and Brazil’s Geopolitical Landscape

02:17 Introduction to Lupa and Cristina Tardaguila

02:48 The Rise of Fact-Checking in Brazil

05:09 Global Populism and Bolsonaro’s Influence

07:02 The Hate Cabinet and Techno-Populism

10:56 Lupa’s Evolution and Business Model

12:58 COVID-19 and the Fight Against Misinformation

16:46 The Why of Disinformation

27:12 Bolsonaro’s Political Journey and Impact

33:52 The Aftermath of January 8th, 2023

34:40 Reflecting on the Insurrection

41:25 The Trial and Conviction of Bolsonaro

47:56 Brazil’s Political Future

51:49 China’s Influence in Brazil

59:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Brazil is an Alternate Universe (with Cristina Tardaguila)