Wilson Center Brazil Institute

?? Casa Wilson Center at COP 30: Join Us in Belém, Brazil! The Wilson Center Brazil Institute is heading to COP 30 with one of our key initiatives for 2025: Casa Wilson Center—a dedicated venue for high-level discussions and a dynamic hub for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders driving the global climate agenda. ?? When: November 10-14, 2025 ?? Where: Belém, Brazil Over five days, we’ll host events, private dinners, and roundtables, welcoming up to 150 guests daily. ?? Stay tuned for more details and contact us for collaborations: https://lnkd.in/dFFy9j4S Bruna Santos (宝煊) Giulia Branco Spiess Wilson Center Latin America Program The Wilson Center Benjamin Gedan #CasaWilsonCenter #COP30 #ClimateAction #WilsonCenter

This week, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro must stand trial for attempting a coup after his 2022 election defeat. The unanimous decision sparked celebration among Bolsonaro’s critics. The court’s vote could mark a dramatic fall for Bolsonaro, once a powerful far-right figure, now facing potential imprisonment of over 40 years. Justice Cármen Lúcia condemned the authoritarianism Bolsonaro is accused of encouraging, calling dictatorship a deadly force. Bolsonaro denied all accusations in a defiant press conference, but analysts see him as politically diminished. Bolsonaro might seek a pardon by backing a right-wing successor like S?o Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, and work to elect senators who could challenge the judiciary. Yet to be seen. However, Bolsonaro's recent rally drew far fewer supporters than expected, signaling waning public enthusiasm. Some warn against counting Bolsonaro out, citing Brazil’s political unpredictability, as seen in President Lula’s own return after imprisonment. Even if Jair Bolsonaro himself ends up convicted, imprisoned, or politically sidelined, the ideas, narratives, and political movement he helped build — including authoritarian tendencies, anti-democratic rhetoric, disdain for institutions, and far-right nationalism — could outlive him. He didn’t invent this ideology — he was a conduit who tapped into and amplified long-standing historical forces in Brazil. These are“seeds” were planted long before Bolsonaro and still find fertile ground in Brazilian society, especially with the rise of younger far-right influencers on social media. So, the concern is that even if Bolsonaro is removed from the picture, the movement he energized might continue under new leadership or mutate into something else, especially if conditions like distrust in institutions, economic hardship, or political polarization persist. In short: removing the man doesn’t necessarily remove the movement. Below is a Q&A with Oscar Vilhena, Dean and founding Professor at FGV S?o Paulo Law School, where he shares his expert analysis on the charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro.??

It was a rich, productive conversation, bringing together former senior officials from the White House and State Department, ambassadors, and leading voices from the private sector. We tackled the big three: security, economics, and the often-overlooked people-to-people ties that hold so much latent power. What emerged was a set of sharp, sometimes unexpected ideas for navigating the deeper friction points in the relationship — from diverging ideological currents in Brasília and Washington, to the looming legal reckoning facing former President Jair Bolsonaro, to rising tensions over tech regulation and the shifting geopolitics of the BRICS summit. More soon. Stay tuned.

This week, the Brazil Institute hosted a private discussion marking the launch of "U.S.-Brazil Relations: Opportunities for Strategic Convergence," a project led by Bruna Santos (宝煊), Ricardo Zuniga, Fernanda Magnotta, PhD, and Nick Zimmerman. The conversation brought together public and private sector leaders, former ambassadors, and experts to explore how Brazil and the U.S. can strengthen cooperation in key areas, such as economic relations, public security, and people-to-people connections.

??#InsiderTalks: The countdown is on—just 4 days until #InsiderTalks! And trust us, this isn’t just another webinar. It’s your chance to grill the experts live and get answers that actually matter. ?? What’s at stake? Trump’s new tariffs are shaking global markets—how will Brazil weather the storm? Will it get caught in the crossfire like Mexico, or find a way to turn the tables? ?? Meet Our Special Guest: Anthony Harrington Tony Harrington is Founding Principal of the Albright Stonebridge Group international advisory firm.? He was previously US Ambassador to Brazil and Chair of the President’s Intelligence Oversight Board and currently serves as Chair of the Wilson Center Brazil Institute. He was previously a senior partner in global law firm Hogan Lovells and a co-founder, director and investor in communications companies. ??Save your spot now via link in the comments—this discussion will shape the future of Brazil’s economy. #Society #Economy #US #Brazil #Tariffs

????In last week's #LaSemanita: The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in Lima and nearby regions. Leaked reports expose major environmental damage in Colombia. The son of former President Jair Bolsonaro seeks political asylum in the US. Tune in each week for the latest news in #LatinAmerica ????

[UPCOMING EVENT] Join veteran journalist Alex Cuadros, Brazil Institute Director Bruna Santos (宝煊), and Princeton’s Zach Vertin for a special evening of discussion and thought-provoking insights. Anchored by Cuadros’ new book, When We Sold God’s Eye, we’ll explore the fascinating story of an indigenous group that had no contact with the Western world until the 1960s and later came to run an illegal diamond mine. The conversation will expand to key issues in #Brazil and the #Amazon—climate change, mining, indigenous rights, and US engagement in the region. ?? Tuesday, April 1, 2025 ?? 5:00 – 7:00 PM ?? Princeton SPIA DC Center | Dupont Circle ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eqRK2_We Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

?? Expert Insights on Brazil: The Charges Against Jair Bolsonaro ?? Check out our latest Q&A with Oscar Vilhena, Dean and founding Professor at FGV S?o Paulo Law School, where he shares his expert analysis on the charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro. With the Brazilian Supreme Court set to decide next week whether to accept the charge, this is a must-read to understand the legal and political implications. Bruna Santos (宝煊) Giulia Branco Spiess

[UPCOMING EVENT] Join veteran journalist Alex Cuadros, Brazil Institute Director Bruna Santos (宝煊), and Princeton’s Zach Vertin for a special evening of discussion and thought-provoking insights. Anchored by Cuadros’ new book, When We Sold God’s Eye, we’ll explore the fascinating story of an indigenous group that had no contact with the Western world until the 1960s and later came to run an illegal diamond mine. The conversation will expand to key issues in #Brazil and the #Amazon—climate change, mining, indigenous rights, and US engagement in the region. ?? Tuesday, April 1, 2025 ?? 5:00 – 7:00 PM ?? Princeton SPIA DC Center | Dupont Circle ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eqRK2_We Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

Great meeting with Alexandre Varella from Embrapa to advance our partnership in the lead-up to COP30! We are excited to collaborate on research and discussions around sustainable agriculture and ranching, including at COP30, where the Brazil Institute has secured space in Belém for a series of public and private dialogues on climate and conservation. Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) is a state-owned research institution in Brazil dedicated to innovation in agriculture and livestock, promoting sustainability, productivity, and technological advancements. Stay tuned for more on our work toward an abundant and sustainable future! Giulia Branco Spiess Bruna Santos (宝煊) #Sustainability #COP30 #ClimateAction #Agriculture