Lula’s UN address points to two starkly different visions of Brazilian nationalism ahead of crucial election
The race between the incumbent president and Flávio Bolsonaro is a part of a decades-long right-left split in the country over the meaning of the nation.
On September 22, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, raising a crucial question for Brazil's future. The election, slated for October 4, is being influenced by a level of U.S. interference unlike any in recent memory. Despite a surprising personal connection with former President Donald Trump, the U.S. administration appears to favor Lula's son, Flávio Bolsonaro, who is the offspring of the ousted Jair Bolsonaro.
Jailing for attempting to nullify the 2022 election results, Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a lengthy sentence.
Lula has responded to U.S. pressure by emphasizing sovereignty as a central theme in his campaign, insisting that Brazil's political destiny should be decided by Brazilians, not by any foreign power. His remarks have been forceful and at times colorful. At a campaign event in Brasília on September 16, Lula warned against politicians who "display the national flag during the day and crawl on their knees for the United States" at night.
He has accused members of the Bolsonaro clan of being traitors, conspiring against the national interest for personal gain. This rhetoric has bolstered Lula's lead in recent polls.
The underlying sentiment of this campaign predates the present conflict with Washington and has roots even in Lula's own political journey. Since the early 20th century, Brazilian political movements have competed to claim the title of nationalism, each arguing about who had the authority to ensure the nation's potential while assigning vastly different meanings to sovereignty and the national interest.
One tradition, progressive nationalism, viewed national sovereignty as Brazil's capacity to determine its economic and political trajectory independently. In contrast, a conservative strain of nationalism that emerged after World War II blamed Brazil's failures on its populist political class rather than foreign dependence. Progressive nationalists sought to have more maneuverability in the international system, understanding that national autonomy depended on the ability to engage the world without becoming subordinate to any single power.
This perspective led Brazil to maintain relationships across ideological divides while striving for a stronger voice in shaping the international order.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
