Michel Ahn Paarlberg, a professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, analyzed that due to changes in Brazil's political landscape, regardless of whether Lula da Silva or Bolsonaro wins the election, Brazil's interest in strengthening regional integration to counterbalance the United States may diminish. Paarlberg believes that if Lula wins, Brazil's interest in "coordinating and integrating to create a unified Latin America or South America to counterbalance the United States, or as a negotiating partner between the US and China," will be significantly reduced. If Bolsonaro wins, he will compete with other US regional allies (such as Argentine President Milei, Ecuadorian President Noboa, and Salvadoran President Bukele) to seek favor from Donald Trump, who prefers a "divide and conquer" model.