As South America begins to emerge from the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, the region’s economic recovery has been a story of divergence — some countries are rebounding quickly while others continue to struggle with persistent roadblocks that stymie growth. Three of the continent’s largest economies — Brazil, Chile and Argentina — provide contrasting stories of recovery, influenced by particular challenges and domestic responses. In Brazil, the economic rebound has been no smooth ride. Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, was severely affected by the pandemic, experiencing a steep decline in GDP and an increase in poverty levels. But since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva came to power,...