Crossword Genius

Political situation and other things swirling around South American capital (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

climate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'political situation' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for climate that I've seen before include "Mood" , "Cite Mal (anag.)" , "Prevailing state" , "Prevailing public attitude" , "Lime cat (anag.)" .)

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