Foreign Policy Emerges as Central Issue in Brazilian Presidential Election

Foreign policy has taken an unprecedented role in the current Brazilian presidential election, driven by tensions with the United States and global competition over critical minerals. The leading candidates, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, hold opposing views on how to navigate relations with the U.S. China, and international blocs. President Lula has centered his platform on sovereignty and development, advocating for deeper ties with the BRICS nations and the Global South. His program includes the desdolarization of trade through local currencies and participation in Waico, a China led artificial intelligence alliance. Lula has also criticized U.S. military operations against narcoterrorism in Latin America and declined to join the Americas Shield, a military alliance created by Donald Trump in March 2026. Conversely, Flávio Bolsonaro has adopted a stance of pragmatism and professionalism. While his official government program is brief on foreign policy and avoids mentioning BRICS or Donald Trump, he has expressed a desire to reconnect with the U.S. Israel, and Argentina while maintaining trade with China and the European Union. Eduardo Bolsonaro, a potential foreign minister for Flávio, has proposed a strategy of propositive realism based on models from Turkey, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. Relations with the U.S. remain strained following tariffs imposed by Donald Trump in July 2025, which were partly justified by alleged political persecution of Jair Bolsonaro. Trump also imposed sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes and revoked visas for several Brazilian officials. Additionally, the candidates face challenges regarding the regulation of big tech companies and the management of critical minerals. The Brazilian Senate recently approved a legal framework for critical minerals that establishes a government council with the power to veto foreign partnerships. Regarding Israel, President Lula has described actions in Gaza as genocide and has downgraded diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires after being declared persona non grata by the Israeli government.