603: The War on Drugs: The Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico (Part 1)

On 8 March, Colombians voted in primaries and congressional elections — electing candidates for 102 Senate seats, 182 House seats. Turnout in the election was notably low but marked a slight increase from the 2022 elections.  Colombia's leftist ruling party, the Pacto Histórico, won the majority of seats in the Senate — 4.3 million votes (22.8 per cent) that translates to 25 seats. They were followed by the rightwing Centro Democrático which increased its representation to 17 seats in the Senate, with 15.6 per cent of the vote.  But neither secured a majority, highlighting the fragmented nature of Colombia's political landscape. The next president, whoever it is, will have to negotiate with lawmakers to push through a legislative agenda.  Richard McColl of Colombia Calling and Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports discussed the results on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast.  The Colombia Briefing by Emily Hart is for subscribers only this week.

Learn how a family navigated their journey to Colombia with kids, from planning to experiences in diverse ecosystems. Discover tips for family travel in Colombia! Traveling with children can be daunting, especially to a country like Colombia, which many people still view through a lens of caution. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we'll explore the inspiring journey of Mae Star and Matt from Vermont, who made the bold decision to homeschool their children while traveling through this beautiful and biodiverse country. You'll learn about their motivations, planning strategies, and the unforgettable experiences they had along the way.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. 

On the Colombia Calling podcast this week, we join forces with Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports to discuss the Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico and its origins.  Discover the secrets behind one of the most enigmatic drug trafficking organizations in Colombia: La Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico, now the most powerful cartel in the country. 

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Alex Diamond, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University, about his book 'Governing the Excluded: Rural Livelihoods Beyond Coca in Colombia's Peace Laboratory.' They explore the complexities of Briceño, a rural community in Colombia that serves as a peace laboratory for the coca substitution program. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by local farmers, the importance of infrastructure, the dynamics of authority between state and guerrilla forces, and the impact of national politics on local communities. Through personal anecdotes and ethnographic insights, Diamond shares his experiences living in Briceño and the hopes and struggles of its residents as they navigate the transition from coca cultivation to legal livelihoods.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.  

The much-anticipated visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House couldn't have gone better given the circumstances. Let it not be overlooked that President Trump needs an ally in Colombia now that he is "running" Venezuela.  This week, Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports and Richard McColl of Colombia Calling provide an analysis of Colombian President Gustavo Petro's trip to meet President Trump and also, why former Colombian president Andres Pastrana is in hot water over the Epstein files. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this celebratory 600th episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, hosts Richard McColl and Emily Hart reflect on the evolution of their podcast, the significant political changes in Colombia, and the lessons learned from living in the country. They discuss the impact of a left-wing president, the changing landscape of podcasting, and offer advice for newcomers to Colombia. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about the country and predictions for its future. In this engaging conversation, Emily Hart and Richard McColl explore various themes surrounding Colombia, including cultural representation in media, personal anecdotes, travel advice, and the political landscape. They discuss the misconceptions about Colombia, the challenges faced by foreigners, and the importance of understanding the local context. The conversation also delves into the security concerns during elections, the accuracy of polling, and the ambitious political vision of President Petro. Throughout, they share personal stories and reflections on their experiences in Colombia, making for a rich and insightful dialogue. There are comments added in from long-term transplants to Colombia such as author Barry Max Wills and journalist Mat DiSalvo. ENJOY! "600 is a crazy number." And support us www.patreon.com/colombiacalling

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Eric Stone, a journalist and photographer, about the vibrant graffiti scene in Bogotá. They explore the evolution of graffiti as an art form, its political significance, and the cultural exchange between Bogotá and Clarksdale, Mississippi. Eric shares personal anecdotes from his experiences with local artists (Toxicomano, Guache, Leela, DJLu, Erre, Stickfish amongst others) and discusses his upcoming book project that aims to capture the essence of Bogotá through its graffiti. The conversation delves into the freedom of expression found in Bogotá, the divide in the city's graffiti scene, and the role of art in social commentary.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl interviews Jessica M. Lepler, Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire, about her new book 'Canal Dreamers.' The conversation delves into the historical attempts to build a canal across Lake Nicaragua in the 1820s, the geopolitical interests of foreign investors, and the complexities of Central American history. Lepler shares insights from her extensive research, including the role of families in uncovering historical documents, the impact of the 1825 financial crisis, and the perspectives of indigenous nations like the Miskitu and Rama. The discussion also touches on the fascinating adaptability of sharks in Lake Nicaragua and the importance of integrating animal history into broader historical narratives.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with musician Vanessa Forero about her unique journey as a singer-songwriter, her family's history, and the impact of the music industry on artists. Vanessa shares her experiences of accidentally becoming a singer, her diverse musical influences, and the challenges she faced in the industry. They also discuss her mother's incredible story of survival - raised by monkeys in Colombia -, the process of capturing family memories, and the search for identity and family connections. The conversation highlights the emotional resilience required to navigate both personal and professional challenges, as well as the importance of storytelling in music and life.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with author Natascha Scott-Stokes about her journey from Germany to the UK and eventually to Chile. They discuss her experiences living in Guatemala during a time of conflict, her transition to life in Chile, and her reflections on the country's culture, landscape, and social issues. Natascha shares insights from her book, 'Tales from the Sharp End: A Portrait of Chile,' exploring themes of inequality, personal history, and the impact of climate change. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity and belonging as an immigrant, as well as the challenges and joys of raising a family in a foreign land. Read her book: https://a.co/d/dVI9QOV   And the Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.