Brazil's Lula confronts U.S. “Doutrina Donroe” pressure ahead of election

The United States, under former President Donald Trump, promoted an agenda dubbed “Doutrina Donroe,” using economic tariffs and security initiatives to sway Latin American politics. In Brazil, a 25% tariff slated for 2025 on Brazilian goods was later withdrawn, a move that bolstered President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign and weakened former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump has publicly favored Flávio Bolsonaro and may seek direct influence comparable to his backing of Argentina’s Javier Milei.

Simultaneously, the U.S. is expanding its military footprint in the region, reactivating bases in Colombia and deepening partnerships in Peru. Brazilian officials and scholars warn the heightened presence could compel Lula to adjust Brazil’s defence and foreign‑policy stance. Commentators such as Gunther Rudzit and Miguel Tinker Salas describe the pressure as a strategic challenge to Brazil’s “quintal,” making the upcoming October election a key test of the country’s sovereignty.