Latin American Intersections

(2017) A still relevant discussion with Congressman Rick Crawford on Cuban-American relations and the connection that America's Heartland has to the island through agriculture exports. Cohosting* the interview are Frank Mora, Director of the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, Sebastian Arco, Associate Director of the Cuban Research Institute, and Michael Scadden, an independen...

A discussion with then Consul General of Mexico in Miami on topics relevant to US-Mexico relations including trade, immigration, and entrepreneurship in Mexico. Despite this interview taking place in 2017, much of the information is still relevant and worth taking some time to listen and consider... Original live recording on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36U19AZXfxQ

Guests Victoria Brian de Moura & Henry Gordon Smith of Agritecture elaborate on the current status, viability, and future of Controlled Environment Agriculture in Latin America-and how women participating in the sector may be key to unlocking its growth and benefits within food systems. Links: Victoria Brian de Moura https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-bmoura/ Henry Gordon-Smith https://www.l...

A discussion with Dr. R. Evan Ellis, a subject matter expert affiliated with the US Army War College, CSIS, and FIU's Gordon Institute of Public Policy: - Recent developments in the PRC's engagement with Latin American and Caribbean countries - The commercial, social, and strategic implications - Industries and sectors of focus for China's interests - Private sector risk exposure and mitigation -...

Amanda & Michael team up again, this time to discuss Israeli diplomacy and engagement in Latin America with former Israeli diplomat Mike Driquez, who served as Deputy Ambassador to Costa Rica and later Deputy Consul General to several US states including Florida and Puerto Rico. They cover a range of topics in this discussion including: - Historical connections in the region - Technology diplo...

Until the recent series of conflicts in the Middle East, the average person in other parts of the world was only vaguely aware of Hezbollah at all. Even now with the organization in the spotlight most people are shocked to learn of its longtime presence in Latin America, and the scope of its activities there. This includes influence operations, terror plots, money laundering, and collaborations wi...

Hector Pomales, Founder/CEO of Farm in the City PR and Michael Scadden of Ocelotl Group discuss CEA as a key component of food security in island resiliency for the Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and the need for private capital to catalyze the adoption of the technology and the establishment of local entrepreneurship in the sector. Visit Farm in the City PR’s website at www.farminthecitynow.com &...

Adam Isacson joins us today to help us understand the challenges, successes, and pitfalls of local, US, and international aid and security programs in Colombia. We discuss lessons learned and how leveraging multi sector partnerships (private, government, academic, military, NGO), and developing the right leaders, may improve the results of security and humanitarian aid efforts and accelerate devel...

Dr. Evan Ellis joins us again, this time to discuss Chinese influence and investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, and how the COVID19 crisis may accelerate China’s presence given the regions circumstances.

We return with John Polga and Brian Fonseca to discuss what's new with Venezuela in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, as the U.S. simultaneously indicts Nicolas Maduro  and offers a road to lifting sanctions in consideration of the health challenges Venezuelans may face.

James McKeigue, Managing Editor of LatAm Investor magazine, joins us from Guayaquil, Ecuador where the UK-based James is currently sequestered as the region faces another in a long line of challenges: COVID19. James shares insights into the region's current status as the world manages the COVID19 outbreak, and leaders at all levels look at ways to manage the economic impacts of worldwide shutdowns...

James Ellsmoor, Director of Solar Head of State and Founder of Island Innovation, has a unique way of communicating and promoting the use of renewables on islands around the world: installing solar photovoltaic systems on government buildings and officials’ residences. Listen in as he talks about the progress and opportunities behind the adoption of renewable energy in the Caribbean.

The University of Puerto Rico is a central hub of education, innovation, and community support across the island. Listen in as university Chancellor Wilma Santiago and student council President Angeli Rivera of the UPR Mayagüez campus discuss the university’s role in the ongoing development of Puerto Rico, it’s contributions to the U.S. private and public sector, and the challenges it faces over a...

Brian, John, and Mike follow up on recent events in Venezuela, and the momentum that may be the downfall of the Maduro Regime...

A lot is happening in Venezuela as an opposition leader is recognized as interim president by much of the international community. Listen in as John, Brian, and Mike weigh in with both optimism and caution in this freestyle discussion.

Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera, president of Costa Rica from 2014 - 2018, discusses policies and investments that helped shape and promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the country. Despite the many challenges Costa Rica produced 98% of its energy from renewables, and now is expanding policies to decrease the use of fossil fuels in transportation. Could Costa Rica’s model be a...

Dr John Polga-Hecimovich, Professor of Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy and Brian Fonseca, Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy at Florida International University bring us an update on Venezuela and insights into the China-Venezuela relationship. A big thank you to Kazim Sultan of 5adb0iMusic, who is working diligently to improve our audio as we develop our product...

On this episode of Latin American Intersections we will be discussing Chinese investment in Latin American infrastructure; and to help me explore this topic I’ve asked Dr. Jorge Heine to bring us his insights. Dr. Heine is a Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, also referred to as the Wilson Center. He’s also the former ambassador of Chile to China as well...

Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America joins us today to discuss the experiences and challenges of Central Americans that face a grueling journey once they’ve decided to flee their home countries.

India’s engagement with the LAC region is often overlooked and while much smaller than China’s is growing comparably. Do India’s businesses and government have a larger strategy like China’s? What’s India’s relationship with the Venezuelan oil sector like? Find out all this and more with Dr. Evan Ellis, Latin American Research Professor at the U.S. Army War College and Senior Non-resident Fellow a...

Dr John Polga-Hecimovich joins us on this episode to talk about Venezuelan politics and the relationship of the Maduro regime with the Veneuelan military.

Get ready for unique insights and perspectives on Latin America and the Caribbean