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
