

Steal girders: Brazil’s fraught coming election
Jul 18, 2022
Georgia Banjo, a Foreign Correspondent for The Economist, and Jeremy Page, the Asia Diplomatic Editor, dive into Brazil’s tense presidential election. They discuss Jair Bolsonaro’s refusal to accept a potential loss, raising fears of civil unrest. The conversation shifts to India’s long-term reliance on Russian weaponry and its efforts to modernize defense ties, amidst geopolitical challenges. They also touch on quirky topics like the rebranding of Asian carp to 'Copi' to encourage its consumption and tackle invasive species.
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Bolsonaro's Stakes
- Jair Bolsonaro, a fan of Donald Trump, might reject an election loss in Brazil due to personal stakes.
- He faces potential criminal prosecution along with his sons if he's not president.
Potential Unrest in Brazil
- Bolsonaro, like Trump, claims election fraud and criticizes electoral judges.
- There are concerns about potential violent protests or even military intervention if he loses, fueled by Brazil's history with dictatorships.
India's Arms Dependence
- India, historically reliant on Russian arms, is the world's biggest weapons importer.
- Roughly half of India's imports are Russian, including submarines, tanks, aircraft, and missiles.