The LatinNews Podcast

The recent elections in Brazil have sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's victory highlighting a significant shift in voter engagement and campaign strategy. In this episode of the Latin News Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Andre Pagliarini, an expert on Brazilian politics and Assistant Professor in the department of history at Louisiana State University to dissect the factors that led to Lula's success.Pagliarini explains how Lula turned around Brazil’s runoff election, what the result means for the Bolsonaro movement, and the political and economic challenges facing Lula’s next term. We discuss how Lula's campaign underwent a remarkable transformation between the two rounds of voting. The use of online organizing became a central strategy, with a significant focus on WhatsApp as a tool for political mobilization that reached 11 million people and played a crucial role in galvanizing support and spreading campaign messages effectively.With Lula's victory, the future of the Bolsonaro political legacy appears uncertain. Flavio Bolsonaro's recent escape to Miami after losing the election marks a significant change in the political landscape, with other right-wing figures like Tarsicio de Freitas potentially emerging as new leaders.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

The Falkland Islands / Malvinas sovereignty dispute is entering a new period of geopolitical uncertainty, with shifting international alliances and plans for offshore oil production raising questions about the future of the islands.In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Professor Klaus Dodds, Professor of Geopolitics at Middlesex University and Senior Research Fellow at RAND Europe, about the historical roots of the dispute, Argentina's relationship with the United States under President Javier Milei, and the strategic importance of the South Atlantic.The discussion examines the proposed Sea Lion oil project, Argentina's efforts to increase diplomatic, legal and economic pressure, and the challenges facing the United Kingdom in maintaining its position in the region. With Argentina's 2027 presidential election approaching, Dodds considers how these developments could reshape the dispute without necessarily leading to military confrontation. Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

The current situation in Haiti is dire, marked by a catastrophic security and political crisis. To shed light on this complex landscape, we speak to Robert Fatton, Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia and a native Haitian on this episode of The LatinNews podcast. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 created a political vacuum filled by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who promised elections and reforms that never materialized. "The elections didn’t take place, the security situation deteriorated further," Robert explains, expressing skepticism about upcoming elections scheduled for December 13, 2026. He questions the feasibility of conducting credible elections amid rampant violence: "It’s exceedingly difficult to see how people can go and vote."Robert concludes with a sobering assessment of Haiti’s future, indicating that the situation may worsen before it gets better. "I’ve never been as pessimistic about the situation as I am now," he admits, leaving listeners with a sense of urgency and concern for the Haitian people amidst this ongoing crisis.For a more in-depth exploration of Haiti's struggles and the implications for its future, listen to the full episode.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Brazil heads to the polls on 4 October in a presidential election shaped by deep political polarization, economic concerns and growing controversy surrounding the country’s Supreme Court. In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with James N. Green, Professor Emeritus of Brazilian History and Culture at Brown University and President of the Board of Directors of the Washington Brazil Office, about the contest between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. They discuss the divisions shaping the election, the Banco Master scandal and its implications for the Supreme Court, voter concerns over the economy and cost of living, and the increasingly complicated relationship between Brazil and the United States. With the race highly competitive, the episode also considers what could determine the outcome if the election proceeds to a second round. Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

In this episode on The LatinNews Podcast, we are joined by Marla Dukharan, economist and advisor on the Caribbean, who discusses the financial challenges Caribbean nations face due to increasing climate disasters, the role of international aid, and potential solutions like insurance and fiscal responsibility.The conversation delves into the Bridgetown Initiative, which aims to improve access to concessional financing. While acknowledging the initiative's intent, Marla raises concerns about its reliance on debt as a primary solution. She argues that without addressing the underlying fiscal vulnerabilities, such initiatives may fall short in delivering meaningful change.Marla reflects on the broader shifts in the global financial landscape regarding climate adaptation. She notes the growing recognition of climate issues among international financial institutions, yet stresses that progress is not happening quickly enough.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Illegal gold mining in the Amazon is about far more than what happens at the extraction site. In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Melina Risso, Research Director at the Igarapé Institute in Brazil, about the networks that allow illegally mined gold to enter legitimate markets and move across borders.They discuss the growing involvement of organised crime and local elites, regulatory gaps across the Amazon, and how stronger controls and new tracing technologies could help keep illicit gold out of global supply chains.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Glaeldys González, Andean Region Analyst at International Crisis Group, about the challenges facing Colombia at the beginning of President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration.The recent earthquake provides an immediate test for the new government, adding further pressure to an already serious humanitarian situation. Beyond the emergency response, attention is turning to President de la Espriella's security agenda, which includes forced coca eradication, the capture of criminal leaders and plans to construct ten megaprisons.Richard and Glaeldys discuss the influence of President Nayib Bukele's security model and the legacy of former president Gustavo Petro's Total Peace policy, as Colombia once again shifts its approach to armed and criminal groups. The episode also considers closer relations with the United States, changing political alliances across the region and tensions with Nicaragua.The discussion draws on International Crisis Group's new report, From Total Peace to Iron Fist: Colombia's Risky Turn to Hard Security, and considers the limits of a mano dura strategy in a country where criminal groups have become increasingly fragmented and adaptable. Security operations are only part of the picture, with territorial development, stronger state institutions and dialogue remaining central to any longer-term response.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

 In this episode of the LatinNews Podcast, we speak with investigative journalist Jennifer Ávila, co-founder of Contracorriente, about the current political and social landscape in Honduras. We discuss the challenges facing President Nasri Asfura's administration, the influence of US policy on migration and security, the return of former president Juan Orlando Hernández, and the country's evolving political dynamics. The conversation also explores organized crime, violence against women, and Honduras' role as a testing ground for new political and economic ideas. Follow Jennifer Ávila's work at www.contracorriente.red Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Critical minerals are becoming central to the global economy, underpinning everything from electric vehicles and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing and national security. Latin America possesses some of the world's largest reserves of copper, lithium and other strategic minerals, placing the region at the centre of an increasingly competitive global landscape. But resource wealth alone is no guarantee of long-term prosperity. Can Latin American countries strengthen governance, attract investment and capture greater value from the energy transition while managing environmental and social challenges? In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Professor Cynthia Sanborn, Director of the Centro de Estudios sobre China y Asia-Pacífico (CECHAP) at the Universidad del Pacífico in Peru. Together, they examine the region's critical minerals sector, the governance challenges surrounding resource development, China's growing role in Latin America, and what will determine whether the region can become a global leader in the industries of the future. Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Keiko Fujimori has secured the presidency at the fourth time of asking, bringing an end to one of the country's longest-running political stories. After years of presidential impeachments, institutional confrontation and economic uncertainty, expectations are high that her government could usher in a period of greater stability.But significant challenges remain. Can Fujimori build the political consensus needed to govern? Will her administration revive investor confidence and unlock Peru's mining potential? And how will Lima navigate an increasingly competitive international environment shaped by both Washington and Beijing?In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Dr John Crabtree, Research Associate at the Latin American Centre at the University of Oxford and editor of Mining and the Peruvian State: Social and Environmental Sustainability.Together, they examine the election result, Peru's political outlook, the prospects for economic reform, the future of the mining sector, and what a Fujimori presidency could mean for Peru's place in Latin America and beyond.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.