The Globalist – September 12, 2025
Episode Summary: Brazil's Supreme Court Finds Former President Bolsonaro Guilty of Coup Plot

Overview

This episode of The Globalist, hosted by Georgina Godwin, delves into world-shaping developments in politics and current affairs. The feature story focuses on Brazil’s Supreme Court convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro for orchestrating a coup plot following his 2022 electoral defeat—a historic first for Brazil. Alongside detailed analysis of this unprecedented legal move, the episode explores Washington’s reaction, the impact on President Lula’s administration, and the broader divisions in Brazilian society. The episode also rounds up significant global stories, including Russia’s withdrawal from a key anti-torture convention, pressing UK political scandals, the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, NATO’s response to Russian provocations, fashion news, and new cycling laws in Japan.

Main Feature: Bolsonaro’s Coup Conviction

1. Why the Ruling is Historic

• Guest Expert: Antonio Sampao, Latin America politics and security analyst
• [03:25] "This is the first time that a former Brazilian president is found guilty of attempting to stage a coup...It's a first for Brazil." — Antonio Sampao
• Previous coups didn’t see justice at the Supreme Court level.
• Bolsonaro, though already barred from office, remains influential and is set to name his successor.

2. The Coup Plot Timeline and Details

• [04:37] Bolsonaro tried convincing armed forces’ chiefs to back a coup, claiming election fraud (despite previous acceptance of the system).
• Only the Navy’s head agreed (received 24-year sentence). Army and Air Force chiefs refused, preventing the coup’s execution.
• Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former secretary, received a reduced sentence for testifying.

3. U.S. Reaction and Sanctions

• [06:30] “The US has been very active, an unexpected player...Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted...stating the US will take new measures...” — Antonio Sampao
• Trump’s administration imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil’s imports, up from 10%, attributing the move to “persecution” of Bolsonaro.
• Heightened by lobbying from Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, in Washington.

4. Lula’s Political Calculus

• [08:44] “Lula is facing a very complicated situation...Politically, these US tariffs have actually benefited Lula, giving him a cause to defend Brazil’s sovereignty...But the tariffs have real economic consequences.” — Antonio Sampao
• The administration balances patriotic rhetoric with economic damage.
• Lula resists negotiating with Trump on tariffs; plans to focus talks instead on COP30 climate summit.

5. Brazil’s Political Divide

• [10:46] “Brazil remains divided. Bolsonaro retains a very, very large support...At sentencing, polls had him and Lula at equal levels (~40%).” — Antonio Sampao
• Tariffs and the involvement of Bolsonaro’s son may alienate swing voters.
• A push for amnesty in Congress from Bolsonaro allies has lost momentum but could resurface.

Key Quotes & Insights

• On US Reaction:
  Antonio Sampao [06:30]:
  “Trump increased this tariff against Brazil to 50%. Now, it is not clear what else the US can do...but it’s very clear Trump is not taking a passive approach.”

• On Lula’s Response:
  Antonio Sampao [08:44]:
  “Lula has not attempted to negotiate very much with the US...he’s taking a practical position of pride against Trump.”

• On Brazilian Society:
  Antonio Sampao [10:46]:
  “Tariffs and the role that [Bolsonaro’s] son had has called for many Brazilians...that he’s not a very patriotic figure because of the damage the tariffs are already having.”

Related Segment: Russia’s Withdrawal from Anti-Torture Convention

Context and Consequences

• Guest: Jeremy Pizzi, Legal Adviser, Global Rights Compliance
• [13:32] Russia has long resisted international monitoring since its invasion of Ukraine.
• [14:42] “Russia is already preventing access in violation of the treaty...it doesn’t have much effect other than being another effort...to prevent access to detainees.”
• [16:09] “It’s a profoundly disturbing signal...broad rejection of all protections that international law affords.”
• [17:30] His organization assists Ukraine in building cases for future prosecution, aiming for universal jurisdiction.

Global News Roundup: Key Segments

UK Political Scandal – Mandelson’s Sacking Over Epstein Connections

• [20:31] Former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, ousted over links to Jeffrey Epstein; puts Keir Starmer’s judgment under scrutiny.
• Speculation over internal Labour Party divisions, future leadership bids, and foreign policy implications with Trump’s impending visit.
• Quote [21:54]: "There's now this suggestion of open warfare in the Labour Party..." — Zoe Grunwald

US: Charlie Kirk Assassination Fallout

• [23:38] FBI searching for suspects, reward issued. The event intensifies US political tensions.
• Congressional disputes over reaction; wider gun control and political violence debates.

NATO: Russian Drone Incursion Over Poland

• [25:44] NATO reinforces Eastern flank; Poland escalates issue to UN. European states on high alert over potential conflict spillover.

Additional Segments

Fashion: The Significance of Bottega Veneta’s Upcoming Season

[30:09]

• Brand celebrates 50th anniversary of its iconic intrecciato weave, unveils new creative direction.
• Emphasis on heritage craftsmanship and cultural advocacy. Pop-up installation at Harrods.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s Daughter as Successor

• Guest: Robert E. Kelly, Prof. of Political Science, Busan National University
• [32:52] Despite male succession norms, Kim’s daughter is being publicly groomed as heir.
• Speculation persists over the son’s whereabouts and potential plans.

Nordic Roundup

• [45:37] Helsinki unveils landmark architecture museum, Sweden lowers age of criminal responsibility, Norway greenlights world’s longest undersea tunnel, Brit swims around Iceland for science.

Japan: New Cycling Laws

[53:33]

• Interview with Miles Gibbons (Whole Grain Cycles) live from cycle trip in Japan.
• New penalty system for cycling violations to be enforced; contrasts in culture and enforcement with Europe and the UK.

Notable Moments and Tone

• Wry Commentary:
  The “weekly review” section by Andrew Muller ([37:22] and [39:50]) offers satirical, insightful reflections on recent political absurdities—from Reform UK's conference controversies to new twists in the Trump–Epstein saga.
• Lively Dialogue:
  The news and interviews combine straightforward analysis with direct quotes, especially regarding Brazil, providing listeners both depth and immediacy.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:25 | Bolsonaro coup verdict: Why it’s historic | | 04:37 | Coup plot timeline & details | | 06:30 | US/Trump reaction, tariffs & Bolsonaro’s son lobbying | | 08:44 | Lula’s reaction & political balancing act | | 10:46 | Brazilian public opinion, effect on right-wing movement | | 13:32 | Russia withdraws from anti-torture convention — legal view | | 20:31 | UK: Mandelson, Epstein, Labour infighting, Trump’s state visit | | 23:38 | US: Charlie Kirk shooting, rising political tension | | 25:44 | NATO: Russian drones and increased military deployments | | 30:09 | Fashion: Bottega Veneta’s milestone and new direction | | 32:52 | North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s daughter as successor | | 45:37 | Nordic roundup: design, crime, tunnels, epic swims | | 53:33 | Japan: new cycling laws, Miles Gibbons interview |

Closing Note

This episode offers a sweeping, insightful lens on a historic moment in Brazil, tracing its international reverberations while threading in the most urgent, quirky, and consequential stories from around the world. Whether it’s the drama of justice at the highest level, geostrategic shifts, scandal-ridden politics, or lifestyle trends, The Globalist guides listeners through the day’s defining events with depth, clarity, and a dash of wit.