The Vexing Rise of the Transnational Right
Foreign AffairsAPR 3 2023
Brazil to Request Argentina to Extradite Alleged Rioters
Above: The Plenary to the Brazilian Senate is seen at the Brazilian National Congress following a riot the previous day led by radical supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro on January 9, 2023 in Brasilia, Brazil. Image copyright: Andressa Anholete/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
It's no coincidence that fugitive rioters who stormed government buildings in Brasília have sought haven in Javier Milei's Argentina, given that the transnational far-right was behind this failed coup attempt in Brazil. If the rule of law and friendly diplomatic relations are to prevail, Buenos Aires should grant these possible extradition requests.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Jan. 8 storming of government buildings in Brasília was relatively peaceful despite some property damage to furniture and artwork — and protesters never intended to stage a military coup. Mainstream media has promoted a conspiracy that doesn't exist while ignoring that Brazilians are fully capable of protesting and distrusting institutions on their own.