COMMENT: What Brazil's election reveals about the limits of US power
Brazil's presidential election on October 4 is increasingly tied to the US geopolitical struggle to keep Latin America within its zone of influence. The US has imposed tariffs on Brazilian products, and Brazil refused visas to two US State Department officials, leading to retaliation. The election pits Flávio Bolsonaro, who favors open US investment, against Lula, who prioritizes Chinese interests and reciprocal benefits.
Why it matters: This illustrates the theme of great-power competition, as the US seeks to limit Chinese influence in Latin America through economic and political pressure on Brazil.