Background on Key Participants and Their Relevance
The United States has been left out of a crucial meeting focused on the global state of democracy, organized by Brazil, Chile, and Spain during the United Nations General Assembly. This decision comes after a significant deterioration in global conditions, according to sources involved in the event planning. In 2024, under President Joe Biden’s administration, the US was invited to participate. However, recent events have led to this exclusion.
Relevance of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Brazil, particularly regarding the processing of former President Jair Bolsonaro—who was recently convicted for planning a coup—have influenced the decision to exclude the United States from this meeting. In retaliation against what he described as a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Brazilian imports and sanctioned Judge Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court overseeing the case.
Impact of U.S. Actions on International Relations
“It’s not possible to invite those who question our democracy and institutions,” stated one of the sources. The U.S. government announced new sanctions yesterday, targeting Viviane Barci de Moraes (wife of Judge Moraes) and her law firm, as well as suspending visas for other members of the Brazilian judiciary and Attorney General Jorge Messias.
Meeting Details and Participating Countries
Titled “In Defense of Democracy and Against Extremism,” the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday during the UN General Assembly period. As of now, 12 heads of state have confirmed their attendance, mostly from Latin American countries. Colombia and Uruguay are also collaborating in the organization of this year’s event.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who organized the meeting? Brazil, Chile, and Spain
- Why was the United States excluded? Due to concerns over questioning of democracy and institutions, influenced by Donald Trump’s criticisms of Brazil regarding Jair Bolsonaro.
- What actions did Donald Trump take against Brazil? Imposed heavy tariffs on Brazilian imports and sanctioned Judge Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court.
- What new sanctions did the U.S. announce? Targeted Viviane Barci de Moraes, her law firm, and suspended visas for other Brazilian judiciary members and Attorney General Jorge Messias.
- How many countries have confirmed attendance? Twelve heads of state, mostly from Latin America.
- Which countries are collaborating in the event’s organization? Colombia and Uruguay.
