Children of dictators on Trump's heels: How populists seize power in Latin America

A wave of right-wing populist leaders is gaining power across Latin America, a trend that has unfolded since the beginning of Donald Trump's second presidential term. Seven presidential elections have taken place in the region, with the political right emerging victorious in several instances.

The direction of this trend will become clearer in the upcoming presidential elections in Brazil, scheduled for October. The contest is expected to be tight, pitting the current left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against his most formidable opponent. This election is seen as a crucial indicator for the region's political future.

This surge in right-wing populist governments is interpreted as a dual reflection of the influence exerted by the current US administration and a broader regional reaction against decades of left-wing dominance. The political landscape in Latin America appears to be shifting significantly, with upcoming elections poised to shape the region's trajectory.