In a stunning upset, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva has won the Brazilian presidential election, defeating presumed frontrunner Flávio Bolsonaro, bucking a recent right-ward shift in presidential elections in Latin America. The win marks a historic fourth presidency for Lula, who now faces a difficult domestic political landscape and a complex relationship with the United States.

To unpack these developments, Americas Program Acting Director and Senior Fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Americas Program Senior Associate Thiago de Aragão. Together they explore the factors behind Lula’s unexpected victory, the key challenges confronting his administration, and what Brazil and the wider region can expect from his fourth term in office.

The CSIS Americas Program podcast looks at the politics and policies of the 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere. It especially focuses on U.S. engagement with the region, whether on trade, diplomacy, or security issues like drugs and terrorism. Guests include top policymakers from the U.S. and other countries.