The LatinNews Podcast

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 politi...

In this episode, we explore the complex political and security landscape of Guatemala with expert Tiziano Breda. We discuss recent developments, challenges in governance, gang violence, and the influence of international actors, providing insights into the country's future prospects. When President Bernardo Arevalo took office in 2023, many were hopeful for a fresh start in Guatemalan politic...

This episode explores the complex security and political landscape of El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele, featuring insights from expert José Salguero. We discuss the history of gang violence, the security policies implemented, and the implications for democracy and regional influence. Nayib Bukele's rise to power was marked by promises of security and stability. However, as Salguero po...

Ecuador is undergoing a profound political and security transformation. Once regarded as one of the more stable countries in Latin America, it now faces escalating violence, institutional strain and growing political tension.  In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Samuele Mazzolini, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow and researcher at Ca’ Foscari University of Veni...

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we explore recent political developments in Mexico, including US indictments of Mexican politicians, the influence of organised crime, and the implications for Mexico-US relations. Guest expert Tony Payan provides deep insights into the complex web of politics, crime, and international pressure. Tony Payan, PhD, is the Claudio X. Gonzalez Fellow in US-Mexi...

Colombia's political landscape is gearing up for another crucial election, and with it comes a myriad of questions and debates. Why is this election significant, and how do the political parties stack up against one another?  In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we delve into insights shared by Sandra Borda, an esteemed political analyst and Associate Professor of Political Science at th...

Brazil's political landscape is fraught with complexities as the elections approach. The Banco Master scandal poses significant challenges for Lula's campaign, even as the economy shows signs of improvement.  Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting the outcomes of the elections and the future of Brazilian governance. As developments unfold, it will be essential for voters...

In the ever-shifting landscape of Peruvian politics, understanding the roots of current instability is crucial. With a staggering eight presidents since 2018, the question looms: how did we get here? In The LatinNews Podcast this week, we explore the historical context, the key players involved, and the implications for Peru's future. Join Richard McColl for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Ju...

On this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we dive into the complex landscape of Venezuela's political and economic situation following the recent changes in leadership. With insights from Phil Gunson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group based in Caracas, we explore what’s happening on the ground, the implications of U.S. involvement, and the challenges ahead for the Venezuelan...

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we assess Cuba’s deepening economic crisis under intensifying US pressure and ask a central question: does severe hardship necessarily lead to regime collapse? The grinding strategy targeting oil supplies has sharply reduced fuel availability, paralysed transport and worsened daily life on the island. Yet despite visible deterioration, public order remains...

In a far-reaching conversation, this week on The LatinNews Podcast, we take a look ahead over 2026 and the possible implications and consequences of US policy towards Latin America.  We ask, how does the US government justify working with a Venezuelan regime that so profoundly espouses the idea of 21st century socialism? Is there any move towards a restoration of democracy in Venezuela? How will P...

Costa Rica has long been the envy of its neighbors in Central America, enjoying economic stability and growth, dependency and security. As we approach the first round of Presidential elections on 1 February 2026, citizens now face the key question of whether they cast their vote for continuity or change? On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we sit down with Ronald Alfaro Redondo, Professor of Polit...

In our first episode of 2026, we take a look at Chile under president-elect José Antonio Kast who is due to be sworn into office in March 2026, marking a significant swing to the Right in the Andean nation.  Joining us on The LatinNews Podcast this week is Lucia Dammert, Professor of International Relations at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile.  We discuss how Kast won the elections so convinci...

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at the recent presidential election in Honduras and explore why the incumbent party performed so poorly, the probable outcomes from this neck and neck contest between Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura, the role of President Trump and the pardon of former president Juan Orlando Hernández.  Joining us is Lucas Perelló, Assistant Professor in the De...

Argentina's colourful President Javier Milei has been in power for two years and on The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at his record so far and possible outcomes for the future after a successful midterm elections and significant public approval for his mandate.  Joining us is Carlos Gervasoni, Associate Professor and chair of Political Science and International Studies at the Un...

Over the past 12 years, Jamaica has faced up to challenging hardships in order to earn hard won gains in terms of ordering the economy, reducing the debt to GDP ratio from 150% to 60% and reducing unemployment to 3.3%. It was, in short, an incredible success story.  And then in November 2025, the island was struck by Hurricane Melissa, leaving the country in tatters. The two main industries of tou...

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we look at the results of the recent presidential elections in Bolivia and the challenges ahead for president-elect Rodrigo Paz. Can this pragmatic leader respond creatively to tests including, a contracting economy, the current decline in the MAS party, the revisitation of diplomatic ties between the country and the United States, the Lithium question and regio...

Why is there a build-up of the US armed forces in the southern Caribbean? According to Dr. Evan Ellis, Latin America Research Professor and General Douglas Macarthur Research Chair at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, our guest on The LatinNews Podcast this week, this is about putting an end to a significant strategic threat to U.S. interests that are threatening the core of t...

Newly re-elected President Irfaan Ali will have to move fast on promises to convert his country's sizable oil income into tangible benefits for Guyana's poor, beyond huge prestige infrastructure projects. If President Ali is unable to capitalize and create a coherent development plan and enable a reorientation of Guyana's economy, there will be cause for concern, not least from Azru...

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we look at how criminal organizations offer basic order and security in Latin America and how decades of authorities resorting to repressive strategies in order to address underlying social problems have provided fertile platforms for criminal shadow governments.  Misguided state policies have shown that political questions have to change and there is now the ne...

Following the historic defeat of the MAS in the first round of presidential elections in August 2025, Bolivians are left with two options to vote for, both to the right of centre. Former president Jorge Quiroga will face Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira in a run-off set to take place on 19 October 2025.  On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at the results of the first round and explore so...

In one of his final acts as president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador pushed through a contentious judicial reform. López Obrador celebrated the overhaul of the judiciary as a necessity and an important legacy of his government. A primary concern is that the reform weakens judicial independence, reducing checks and balances on the government. There are fears the election process could be op...

Threats of political violence and a deteriorating security situation are raising concerns as Colombia approaches its presidential elections in May 2026, while tensions with the United States have also increased. Security challenges are expected to weigh heavily on the upcoming electoral period. This week on The LatinNews Podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Elizabeth Dickinson, Senior Analyst...

Under President Santiago Peña, Paraguay is enjoying economic stability, the fastest growth in Latin America, the lowest debt to GDP ratio in the region, a stable currency and the award of investment grade status for the first time ever.  And, while this is impressive and cause for celebration, analysts are asking what the Paraguayan government is doing to combat corruption?  On The LatinNews Podca...

President Noboa’s victory in Ecuador seems to have owed a huge amount to his sweeping crackdown on organised crime, which has seen the military permanently mobilised against gangs. Insecurity is repeatedly identified as voters’ main concern. Can Noboa deliver?  It's clear that Noboa stands and falls on security and voters gave him the benefit of the doubt that he needed more time and that his...