Brazil vs. US: Two insurrections, different results
Vox
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
On January 8, 2023, Brazil experienced a significant turning point in its democracy when thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed federal buildings in the capital, aiming to overturn election results they claimed were fraudulent. This event, marked by mob violence and an insurrection, closely mirrored the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol two years earlier, where a defeated president’s supporters sought to disrupt democratic processes. However, the outcomes could not be more different: Bolsonaro is now serving a 27-year prison sentence for his coup attempt, while Donald Trump remains in office as president of the United States.
Brazil’s response to the insurrection highlights the strength of its democratic institutions and the rule of law. Unlike the U.S., where former President Trump continues to wield influence despite his role in the Capitol attack, Brazil’s legal system acted swiftly to hold Bolsonaro accountable. Key figures like Judge Alexandre de Moraes played a critical role in investigating coup plans and addressing election misinformation, demonstrating the importance of an independent judiciary in up
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Originally published on Vox on 2/24/2026