Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

How to Make Sense of Brazil in 2019

Reading Time: < 1 minuteA special report on Brazil’s new president, the people he listens to, and the opponents ready to take him on.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

Reading Time: < 1 minute

This article is adapted from AQ’s print issue on piracy | Ler em português |  Read our special report on Mexico’s new government

After fake news, surprise twists, and little-known outsiders turned its presidential election and transition upside down, getting the full story on Brazil won’t be easy in 2019.

That’s particularly true with Brazil’s new president. After all, for much of his nearly three-decade career in politics, Jair Bolsonaro was a fringe figure, passing just two of his own bills in 28 years. Now, as Brazil’s newly inaugurated president, how the former army captain will govern Brazil remains unclear for many. Who does he listen to? What does he want to do, and can he actually achieve it?

In its new issue, Americas Quarterly takes a close look at Brazil’s new leader, from the books he reads to the people he listens to. We also identify what he wants to accomplish – and the opposition figures that could get in his way.

Among his opposition will likely be a historic wave of Afro-Brazilian women who, inspired by the life of murdered Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco, ran for public office in 2018 – and won. They include Renata Souza, a friend of Franco who AQ profiled shortly after her election to Rio’s state assembly in October.

Together, the special report offers a blueprint for what will surely be a defining year for Brazil. 

Like what you've read? Subscribe to AQ for more.
Any opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Quarterly or its publishers.
Sign up for our free newsletter