Explaining Brazil

On Sunday (September 3), the National Museum’s decay took a dramatic turn, with the building becoming consumed – and almost entirely destroyed – by flames. We have talked to the museum's deputy director, Luiz Fernando Dias Duarte, who joined us from Rio de Janeiro. Read show notes. Support the show

While 70 percent of the population has access to the Internet, 63 percent still get their news from television, will social media remain this much of a factor as we approach election day? The Brazilian Report talks to Fernando Vega, the Latin American Social Solutions Manager at comScore, a company specialized in gathering and analyzing data about audiences on several media platforms, especially the internet. Read show notes. Support the show

Now, eight years after the end of his second term, Lula is in prison, serving a 12-year sentence for passive corruption and money laundering. His Workers' Party suffered major defeats in the 2016 municipal elections, losing in many key municipalities, including their crown jewel - São Paulo. Barring the legal equivalent of a miracle, Lula will not be on the presidential ballot. So, where will the Brazilian left go in 2018 - and beyond? Read show notes. Support the show

Brazilians will elect a new president, 27 new governors, 513 congressmen, and over 1,000 state lawmakers. But how exactly do Brazilian elections work?  Read show notes. Support the show

We have reached out to presidential campaigns and requested interviews with all candidates. Our first sit down was with Guilherme Boulos, of the Socialism and Liberty Party (Psol). As we were not in our regular studios on Rua Augusta, in São Paulo, audio quality was not optimal at certain points and we apologize for any sound issues. Here are the main takesSupport the show

In two months, Brazilians will choose a new president. This past weekend, though, it was our candidates' turn to choose their running mates. We explain why that matters. Of Brazil’s 37 presidents, eight of them took the job after being elected vice president – for various reasons: death, resignation or impeachment. Read show notes. Support the show

As Brazil prepares to analyze the issue of abortion rights, we talk to the Center of Reproductive Rights about the possible impacts of legalizing abortions in Brazil.  Read show notes. Support the show

This week, the leaders of the five countries meet in the 10th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg. This summit is taking place at a pivotal time, with Brazil struggling to recover from its worst recession on record, Russia facing accusations of meddling in the American 2016 election, and China waging a trade war with the U.S. We're joined by Oliver Stuenkel, a professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brazil's leading think tank, and author of The BRICS and the Future of Global Order. Read show notes. Support the show

Two years after the World Health Organization declared the Americas free of measles, the disease could be about to make a comeback. To discuss the issue, Explaining Brazil hosts Dr. Rosana Richtmann, an infectious disease specialist at the Emilio Ribas Institute, in São Paulo. Read show notes. Support the show

Sunday was a day that killed any argument that Brazil's institutions are working properly. Appellate judge Rogério Favreto tried to release former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from prison at all costs, while the judges who convicted Lula worked tooth and nail to keep him behind bars, despite being on vacation. Read show notes. Support the show

We shed light on initiatives that fight for the social inclusion of gays, lesbians, and trans individuals. Explaining Brazil hosts Paolo Capistrano, an English teacher who founded English to Trans-form, which helps trans people to improve their skills for the workplace, trying to curb the segregation so often imposed by society.  Read show notes. Support the show

Between 1999 and 2015, opioid consumption in Brazil has jumped by 465 percent, according to a study recently published by the American Journal of Public Health. Tthat should be cause for concern, say experts. Read show notes. Support the show

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14. One week later, Brazil still doesn't seem to be in the mood for football. Unlike other editions of the event, you don't see many Brazilian flags waved out from windows, nor many people dressed up in yellow and green. Why is that? That's what we debate with Brazilian historian - and football fanatic - Matias Pinto. Read show notes. Support the show

In 2012, Brazil established nuclear power as a priority. Since then, however, Brazil's economy took a nosedive, power company executives were convicted for corruption, and projects on nuclear energy have stalled. So, what's the state of Brazilian nuclear as of now? That's what we will talk about this week with the president of Eletronuclear - Brazil's state-owned nuclear power company. Read show notes. Support the show

During the Environmental Week, The Brazilian Report discusses Brazil's energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Read show notes. Support the show

Over the past week, roads have been blocked and truckers, who are responsible for 60 percent of cargo transportation in Brazil, have not worked. Fuel and food supplies are lacking in most urban centers. São Paulo has declared a state of emergency. Over 270 flights were cancelled because there was simply no fuel left for airplanes. How did it get so bad, and what will happen now? Read show notes. Support the show

Created in 1991, Mercosur is formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Venezuela has been suspended, and Bolivia will soon join. What do these economies have in common? As it turns out, not much – and that is one of the reasons why the free trade agreement remains highly dysfunctional. Read show notes. Support the show

In 2013, anthropologist Lilia Schwarcz published a book about race relations. She conducted a poll that revealed 97 percent of those surveyed said they were not racist – but 98 percent said they know someone who is racist. How can a country be racist ‘without’ having racists? Read show notes.  Support the show

Brazilians might be creative, but can they innovate? Latin America’s top economy has not ranked well in the latest innovation rankings. However, there are initiatives in Brazil certainly worth noting. Read show notes. Support the show

Venezuela has been haunted by multiple interconnected crises. The country’s inflation is expected to close this year at 679.73 percent. Meanwhile, President Nicolás Maduro has only focused his efforts on keeping himself in power. What does the future hold for Brazil's northern neighbor? We host Rosario Hernandez, a political analyst from Venezuela and a member of the website Young Diplomats, a partner institution of The Brazilian Report. Read show notes. Support the show