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35 West

35 West

The CSIS Americas Program podcast looks at the politics and policies of the 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere. It especially focuses on U.S. engagement with the region, whether on trade, diplomacy, or security issues like drugs and terrorism. Guests include top policymakers from the U.S. and other countries.

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Haiti?s Evolving Political and Security Crisis

Haiti?s years-long political and security crisis entered a new phase last week when Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Haiti?s acting head of state since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, announced his resignation. Now, Haiti faces a period of profound uncertainty, with a serious power vacuum in government, ascendant criminal groups within striking distance of the halls of state power, and increasingly narrow prospects for a long-awaited international aid mission. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Georges Fauriol, Senior Associate with the CSIS Americas Program and fellow with the Caribbean Policy Consortium. Together, they unpack the implications of Henry's resignation, the recent surge in gang activity, as well as what the future may hold as Haiti continues to struggle to come to terms with citizen security. They also discuss the reactions of Haitian civil society, and the lack of substantial action on the part of the international community.
2024-03-21
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LAC Fighters in Ukraine

Citizens from LAC countries have also played a more direct role in the conflict as foreign fighters for both sides. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv publish exact data on the number or nationality of LAC fighters who join their ranks, but estimates range from several hundred to more than a thousand fighters total spread across each front.  On February 23, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, sat down with Elizabeth M.F. Grasmeder, Adjunct Professor of National Security Policy with Duke University, and Andrei Serbin Pont, Executive Director of CRIES-LAC, for a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) about the role of foreign fights from LAC on both sides in Ukraine. Together, they unpacked the motivations of fighters for joining both Ukraine and Russia, why Moscow and Kyiv have turned to recruiting foreign fighters, and the broader implications of war in Ukraine for Latin American countries. 
2024-03-07
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El rumbo democrático: An Auto-Coronation in El Salvador

On Sunday, February 4, Salvadorans headed to the polls to cast their votes in what virtually all analysts predicted would yield a landslide victory for incumbent President Nayib Bukele. However, official confirmation of Bukele?s victory was interrupted as the president declared the opposition was ?pulverized? before the final transmission of the votes had been completed and announced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. While this appears to have been resolved in Bukele?s favor, with the tribunal officially announcing Bukele?s victory with some 83 percent of the vote, this incident is but the latest in a steady march of democratic backsliding in El Salvador, one where Bukele has shown contempt for any effort to check his executive authority. In this special episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Noah Bullock, Executive Director of Cristosal, a leading human rights organization which has been closely tracking the infringements upon civil and political rights under the Bukele administration. Together, they unpack the consequences of El Salvador's presidential elections, what to expect under a second Bukele term, and how the United States should respond.
2024-02-22
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From the Ashes? Noboa's Plan Phoenix and Ecuador's Evolving Security Situation

Last month, Ecuador was rocked by a series of attacks carried out by members of criminal gangs. Over the course of two days of grueling violence, inmates rioted and took over prisons, gangs detonated car bombs across the country, and armed gunmen even stormed a live television broadcast in the violence-wracked city of Guayaquil. Then a few days later, the prosecutor investigating the attack on the TV station was gunned-down in cold blood. In response, newly-elected President Daniel Noboa has mobilized the armed forces and declared a state of ?internal armed conflict? along with designating some 22 criminal groups as terrorist organizations. In this episode, Sebastián Hurtado, President and Founder of the Quito-based political risk consultancy Prófitas returns to 35 West to sit down with Christopher Hernandez-Roy. Together, they analyze the causes and consequences of spiking violence in Ecuador, the pressures Noboa faces to deliver quick results, and the challenges facing the Ecuadorian government's attempts to regain control over prisons and tamp down on ascendant criminal groups.
2024-02-08
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Back from the Brink? Arevalo's Inauguration and Democracy in the Americas

In the months since Bernardo Arevalo's upset victory in Guatemala's presidential elections, a small elite often referred as ?the pact of the corrupt,? has tried to derail the president-elect from taking office. In response, the United States imposed visa restrictions on nearly 300 Guatemalan congressmen and business leaders, while the Organization of American States, other international organizations and civil society raised mounting cries to respect the outcome of the election. For the time being, their tireless efforts appear to have paid off, with President Arrevalo taking office on January 14th, but only after a last-ditch effort by members in congress to block him.  In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Ambassador Frank O. Mora, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States. Together, they shine a spotlight on the efforts of Guatemalan civil society, the OAS and the U.S. to defend democracy from efforts to overturn electoral results. They also look ahead to upcoming elections in the hemisphere, and analyze the role of the United States and OAS in safeguarding election integrity, and resisting democratic backsliding.
2024-01-25
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Derechos Humanos en Cuba / Human Rights in Cuba

En esta edición especial en español, Christopher Hernández-Roy, Director Adjunto y Senior Fellow del Programa sobre las Américas, conversa con Yaxys Cires, Director de Estrategia del Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos sobre los resultados del último Examen Periódico Universal de Cuba del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas. Analizan la dicotomía entre la retórica gubernamental y la triste realidad de los derechos humanos en Cuba así como la profunda crisis económica que atraviesa la isla y cómo el régimen de Díaz-Canel ha respondido a estas presiones. In this special Spanish-language episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow with the Americas Program, sits down with Yaxys Cires, Director of Strategy at the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights to discuss the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Cuba. They discuss the dichotomy between the government?s rhetoric and the sad reality of Cuba's human rights record. They also discuss the mounting economic crisis facing the island and how the Díaz-Canel government has responded to these pressures. 
2024-01-12
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El Rumbo Democrático: On the Campaign Trail in Mexico

Mexico's general election on June 2 of 2024 promises to be a seminal moment for Mexican politics and society on a number of fronts, in particular, the race has made headlines as a contest between two women, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum on one hand, and Senator Xóchitl Gálvez on the other, promising to herald Mexico?s first female president. But the race is also a test of the staying power of current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador?s Morena Party, and whether its breakout success in 2018 can be translated into sustained influence over Mexican politics. In this special episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Alma Caballero, Northern Latin America Managing Director at McLarty Associates. Together, they discuss the policy positions of the frontrunners, the challenges that will face either a Gálvez or a Sheinbaum government, and the influence President López Obrador is likely to wield over Mexico's political environment even after departing office. They also delve into questions of security, and the threat organized crime may pose to the electoral process next year.
2023-12-20
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La estrategia espacial en las Américas, un panorama en evolución / Space Strategy in the Americas, an evolving panorama

En este episodio especial en español, Laura Delgado López, becaria visitante del programa de las Américas, se sienta a conversar con Victoria Valdivia Cerda, profesora de la Academia Nacional de Estudios Políticos y Estratégicos (ANEPE) y experta en política y derecho espacial. Ellas conversan sobre las distintas formas en que los países latinoamericanos enfocan su actividad espacial, incluyendo el desarrollo tecnológico, la cooperación internacional y el impacto de la competencia entre grandes potencias en los programas espaciales de la región. También, discuten el desarrollo de capacidades espaciales de doble uso, los riesgos de las armas antisatélite y cómo sus implicaciones van más allá del sector espacial.   In this special Spanish-language episode, Laura Delgado López, visiting fellow with the Americas Program, sits down with Victoria Valdivia Cerda, professor at the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies (ANEPE) and expert in space policy and law. They discuss the different ways in which Latin American countries approach space activities, including technology development, international cooperation, and the impact of great power competition on regional space programs. They also discuss the development of dual-use space capabilities, the risks of anti-satellite weapons and how their implications go beyond the space sector.
2023-12-07
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El rumbo democrático: Colombia's Regional Elections

On October 29, more than ten thousand elected positions, from local councils to departmental governors, throughout Colombia went up for election. The results confirmed predictions of setbacks for President Gustavo Petro?s governing Pacto Histórico coalition, which lost races in key cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, in addition to several governorships. In this special episode, Juliana Rubio sits down with Sergio Guzmán, the Director of Colombia Risk Analysis. Together, they explore the key trends shaping the electoral environment, and delve into a couple of key races such as the Bogotá mayoral election. They also outline ways in which the Petro government may react, and prospects for the president to push forward his ambitious agenda within a more divided political context.
2023-11-09
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El rumbo democrático: A New President in Ecuador

On Sunday, October 15, following a race that appeared neck-and-neck at several points, Daniel Noboa emerged victorious as Ecuador?s youngest elected president. Noboa?s victory over opponent Luisa González, the handpicked representative of former president Rafael Correa, signaled a desire for a change among the electorate, not only a departure from the outgoing Lasso government, but also a rejection of efforts to campaign off of nostalgia for the early Correa years. Yet whether Noboa, son of one of the country?s wealthiest businessmen, can deliver the kinds of novel change needed to pull Ecuador out of both a flagging economic situation and spiraling security crisis remains to be seen. In this special episode, Sebastián Hurtado, President and Founder of the Quito-based political risk consultancy Prófitas returns to 35 West to sit down with Christopher Hernandez-Roy. Together, they discuss the implications of Noboa's victory for Ecuador-U.S. relations, Noboa's agenda, and how he might plan to work with a divided legislature to deliver on key campaign promises.
2023-10-26
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El rumbo democrático: la primera vuelta de las elecciones presidenciales argentinas / Argentina's First-Round Presidential Elections

En este episodio especial en español, Ryan C. Berg se sienta a conversar con Brenda Struminger, periodista y corresponsal de la Casa Rosada para Infobae. Ellos conversaron sobre la primera vuelta de las elecciones presidenciales argentinas y las cuestiones claves en juego, especialmente los planes de cada candidato para resolver la crisis económica del país. También analizaron la relación bilateral entre Argentina y Estados Unidos, y lo que significarán las elecciones para los esfuerzos de Argentina por hacer frente a la creciente inseguridad. In this special Spanish-Language episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Brenda Struminger, a journalist and Casa Rosada correspondent for Infobae. They discuss Argentina's upcoming first-round presidential elections and the key issues at play, most notably the plans of each candidate to resolve Argentina's current economic crisis. They also dig into the bilateral relationship between Argentina and the United States, and what elections will mean for Argentina's efforts to tackle rising insecurity. 
2023-10-12
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Time to Talk Trade

The level of economic integration that Mexico, the United States, and Canada have managed to achieve with one another is surely one of the defining success stories of the Western Hemisphere. Undoubtedly however, more needs to be done to realize the full potential of North American trade, especially as politically charged disputes over key issues from energy to automotives and agriculture risk undermining support within all three countries at a time when it is most sorely needed.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Orlando Pérez, Senior Counsel at TMI Abogados, and the principal negotiator of USMCA?s intellectual property chapter. Together, they discuss the genesis of USMCA, contemporary challenges to the agreement, and what needs to be done to encourage further trade integration in light of the recent 2023 U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue. They also investigate recent calls for extending USMCA to countries outside of North America, and lessons for future trade policy.
2023-09-29
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Sin mujeres, no hay democracia / No Democracy without Women

En este episodio especial en español, Juliana Rubio se sienta a conversar con Tamara Dávila, Tamara Dávila, psicóloga, feminista y activista política, y también una de las 222 presas políticas que fueron enviadas a los Estados Unidos el 9 febrero de este año.  Ellos conversaron sobre el activismo continuo de Tamara en favor de los derechos humanos y la democracia en Nicaragua, así como en el papel indispensable de las mujeres en los movimientos democráticos. Además la conversación se centró en las formas en que la represión política en Nicaragua se cruza con el género y otras identidades, y la necesidad de una presión sostenida contra el régimen. In this special Spanish-Language episode, Juliana Rubio sits down with Tamara Dávila, psychologist, feminist, and political activist, and one of the 222 political prisoners sent to the United States on February 9 of this year.  They delve into Tamara's continued activism on behalf of human rights and democracy in Nicaragua, as well as the indispensable role of women in democratic movements. They also outline the ways in which political repression in Nicaragua intersects with gender and other identities, and the need for sustained pressure against the regime.
2023-09-19
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El rumbo democrático: Ecuador's First-Round Presidential Elections

On Sunday, August 20, Ecuadorians went to the polls to vote in a snap election clouded by political upheaval, violence, and uncertainty.  The campaign was marred especially by the assassination of vocal anticorruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9. With no candidate on August 20 securing the margin needed to win outright, Ecuador?s period of political uncertainty will stretch on further, and with it, important questions of security, democracy, and the future of U.S.-Ecuador relations. In this special episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Sebastián Hurtado, President and Founder of the Quito-based political risk consultancy Prófitas. Together, they unpack key trends in and around the first round election, including the performance of key candidates, the overlay of insecurity and entrenched corruption, and what to expect from the run-off on October 15. They also delve into the composition of the new National Assembly, and two key ballot initiatives on environmental issues.
2023-08-31
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El rumbo democrático: Guatemala's Presidential Elections

On August 20, Guatemalans will head to the polls to elect their next president, marking the culmination of a long and fraught electoral process. The election will pit Sandra Torres, a longstanding political force heading one of the country?s most well-oiled political machines, against unexpected contender Bernardo Arevalo, who surged to claim second place in the June first round elections.  In this special episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Together, they set the stage for the coming elections, outlining the unexpected rise of Arevalo and his party, the policy positions of the two candidates, and the overarching context of Guatemala's evolving political environment and democracy. They also touch upon the implications of this elections for U.S.-Guatemala relations, as well as common threads between Guatemala and Ecuador, who will host elections on the same day.
2023-08-17
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Fueling North American Energy Security

Energy is an often overlooked, yet fundamental building block for economic growth and prosperity? especially in light of a shifting geopolitical context which has placed a premium on securing supply chains from disruption by malign actors and strategic competitors, there is a unique opportunity for North America as a bloc to rethink energy security. But the development of the North American natural gas industry has unfolded unevenly. While the United States has been quick to make the jump, even becoming a net energy exporter, Mexico in particular has been steadily decreasing its domestic production in favor of cheap, competitive U.S. imports. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Benigna Cortés Leiss, Nonresident Fellow in Latin American Energy at Rice University?s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Together, they discuss the obstacles facing Mexico's domestic natural gas sector, and how a focus on state-owned oil company PEMEX to the exclusion of other actors, has undermined the country's potential to capitalize on its other energy resources. They also discuss how a more robust Mexican gas industry could join the United States and Canada to seize on opportunities and ameliorate global energy insecurity prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
2023-08-03
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Counter-Narcotics in Treacherous Waters

A shifting global narcotics market has brought on new challenges, with one of the most significant developments occurring in the global cocaine trade, where Europe has emerged as the preeminent destination for these illicit shipments. As drug trafficking organizations pivot their operations to take advantage of the high prices cocaine fetches on the European markets and low penalties for distributors, the Caribbean becomes a more important transshipment point. The Caribbean?s strategic geography, insufficient port security and interdiction assets, direct connections to Europe, along with criminal networks make this region an appealing transit point for drug trafficking organizations. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Rufus Ferdinand, Deputy Chief Operations Officer for the Joint Regional Communications Center (JRCC) at the Caribbean Community?s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS). Together, they discuss the agency's priorities for confronting shifting criminal dynamics, improving intelligence cooperation, and enhancing technology adoption and training. They also delve into the second-order consequences of narcotics trafficking, especially firearms trafficking in and through the region.
2023-07-27
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Fortifying the U.S.-Panama Partnership

Linked by trade, geography, and shared democratic institutions, the partnership between Panama and the United States allowed both countries to reap significant benefits. However, beyond any economic factors, Panama?s commitment to democracy, including as a founding member of the Alliance for Development in Democracy, alongside Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, is truly what cements the importance of the U.S.-Panama partnership.  In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Janaina Tewaney, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama. Together, they analyze the role of U.S.-Panama cooperation across a range of topics from nearshoring, to environmental conservation, and the ongoing fight against organized crime. The conversation also emphasizes the historical roots of the bilateral relationship, and future opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
2023-07-06
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Striking a Balance on Nicaragua Sanctions

In recent years, the authoritarian Ortega-Murillo regime has consolidated power, systematically dismantled organized opposition, and brutally cracked down on public protests. To push back against the regime, the United States has deployed sanctions, on individuals, entities, and state-owned companies, as well as directed its executive directors at multilateral lending institutions to oppose financing to Managua. These measures remain insufficient to place genuine pressure on the regime, however, and a more muscular sanctions architecture is in order as the Nicaraguan regime continues to run roughshod over human rights and presents a geopolitical threat the United States.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Eric Olson, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for the Seattle International Foundation. Together, they assess the current state of U.S. sanctions against Nicaragua, as well as future directions for bringing pressure against the regime. They also evaluate the risks inherent in a sanctions campaign, and how to balance between denying revenues to the regime and preserving the livelihoods of Nicaraguan citizens, as well as avoiding exacerbating already serious migration flows from Nicaragua.
2023-06-22
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What is the Future of Sanctions on Venezuela?

After four years of a so-called ?maximum pressure? sanctions campaign against Venezuela, there seems to be a push from Washington to revisit this sanctions architecture. Sanctions relief has long been a priority for the Maduro regime, which also ascribes blame for all manner of Venezuela?s economic woes on the U.S.-led sanctions campaign. However, the United States should be highly skeptical about pledges from the regime without concrete signs of improvement, and must be able to credibly threaten that these measures will snap back in the case of worsening conditions.  In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Carrie Filipetti, Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition, and former Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela at the U.S. Department of State. Together, they discuss into the state of U.S. sanctions today against the Maduro regime, the role these will play in the leadup to planned presidential elections, and what can be done to further pressure the regime to make meaningful concessions at the negotiating table.
2023-06-08
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More Than Subs, the Urgency of AUKUS for Canada

AUKUS, the newly-established security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States, has made waves of late as a result of its focus on helping Australia operate, acquire, and eventually build its own nuclear-powered attack submarines. But the agreement goes well beyond that, to touch on emerging technologies and providing greater deterrence to revisionist and revanchist powers. Canada, despite its membership in important partnerships like NATO and the Five Eyes, was absent from initial AUKUS discussions, and while Ottawa is now apparently considering the benefits of the agreement, Canada?s defense posture remains woefully out of sync with that of its allies. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Vincent Rigby, senior adviser with the CSIS Americas Program and visiting professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. Together they discuss the findings of a recent CSIS Commentary making the case for Canadian membership in AUKUS, the advantages participation in the agreement would garner, as well as what Canada could bring to the table. They also go beyond AUKUS to examine Canada?s broader defense posture and security challenges.
2023-05-18
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Much Ado About Non-Alignment

Rising geopolitical tensions between the United States, Russia, and China, have prompted some to argue the world is heading towards a polarized and fragmented future, with some countries split into opposing camps between democracies and autocracies and others not wanting to choose sides. In Latin America, rising U.S.-China competition has provoked fears that the region may be forced to choose between the economic development and trade which China offers, and its longstanding relationship with the United States. In response, a new strategy, known as Active Non-Alignment, has been proposed for the region.  In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Ambassador Jorge Heine, one of the most prominent luminaries on the theory of active non-alignment and is also the co-editor of a new influential book Latin American Foreign Policies in the New World Order: The Active Non-Alignment Option. Together, they discuss the theory and various perspectives on Active Non-Alignment, its application by countries in the region as a response to Russia?s war in Ukraine, and the future of the strategy for a world marked by U.S.-China competition.  
2023-05-04
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Latin America?s Emergency Contact

Latin American and Caribbean countries face mounting risks from natural disasters, with the region ranking as one of the most climate vulnerable areas in the world. With climate change likely to exacerbate these challenges, developing effective strategies for delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), is of critical importance in the Western Hemisphere.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with CDR (ret.) Pat Paterson, Professor of Practice at National Defense University?s William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies. Together they discuss a recent report from the Perry Center on improving U.S. humanitarian aid efforts. They delve into current approaches, areas for increased cooperation, as well as the still small but growing footprint of China's HADR efforts in the western hemisphere.
2023-04-20
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Best of 35 West: Taking Stock of International Criminal Court's Investigation into the Maduro Regime

On April 3, 2023, the Maduro regime denounced the statement by International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan that the ICC would continue to press its investigation into human rights abuses perpetrated by the Venezuelan security forces. This marks the latest bout in a series of exchanges between the regime and the court, as Maduro seeks to undermine the investigation by pretending to address the question of impunity with occasional trials. In this "Best of 35 West" episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with José Ignacio Hernández, the former Special Prosecutor of the Interim Government of Venezuela, and a visiting fellow at Harvard University?s Center for International Development. Together, they discuss the likely outcomes of the investigation and progress made so far. They also highlight the importance of international criminal investigations for advancing the conversation around human rights and democracy within Venezuela.
2023-04-06
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Taking Exception to States of Exception

The Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have long faced challenges from gangs which have become entrenched criminal networks. In response, governments throughout the region have periodically adopted hardline, or mano dura, security policies to clamp down on gangs. Most recently, El Salvador has seen one of the most extreme versions of such a policy under President Nayib Bukele, using a state of emergency to curtail constitutional protections, jailing upwards of sixty thousand alleged gang members, and serving as a backdrop for his consolidation of power and attacks on civil society and the press. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Steven Dudley, Co-Director of InSight Crime and author of the award-winning book MS-13: The Making of America?s Most Notorious Gang. Together, they unpack the nature of El Salvador's state of exception, what differentiates it from past hardline policies, and the threat this "Plan Bukele" poses to El Salvador and to democracies throughout the region. They also delve into the impact of both gang violence and counter-gang repression on Salvadoran citizens, and what can be done to promote lasting security in Central America.
2023-03-23
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One Year Later, Latin America Continues to Hedge its Bets on Ukraine

More than one year after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Latin America and the Caribbean has been impacted in a number of ways. Demand for oil has prompted the United States to pursue an opening to Venezuela, empowering the authoritarian Maduro regime even as Washington denounces extra-hemispheric dictators. Meanwhile, disruptions to energy and fertilizer supplies more broadly have stalled economic recovery in a region already struggling to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic.  In this episode, Ryan C. Berg and Christopher Hernandez-Roy sit down to unpack a recent CSIS Americas commentary on Latin America's response to the war in Ukraine and reflect on developments in the hemisphere at about the one-year mark of the conflict. Together, they outline the economic, political, and diplomatic pressures the conflict has placed on governments throughout the region. They also delve into the tendency of many countries to hedge against offering support to Ukraine and the troubling implications this holds as the war enters into its second year.
2023-03-10
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Energizing a Semiconductor Boom in the Americas

Semiconductors, materials used to control the flow of electricity through a circuit in precise patterns, are the lifeblood of the modern digital economy. However, the global semiconductor industry remains highly concentrated, signaling a clear need to develop supply chain resiliency in the semiconductor industry. This trend in turn carries significant potential for Latin American countries, which could see their burgeoning chip manufacturing and research industries catalyzed by new investments. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Jackie Sturm, Corporate Vice President for Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel Corporation. Together, they discuss rebalancing semiconductor supply chains, and opportunities for the Western Hemisphere, especially in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil. They also highlight the importance of U.S. policy, notably the CHIPS Act, and the work Intel is doing to engage throughout the hemisphere to support resilient supply chains for this critical industry.
2023-02-23
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Turning Up the Heat on Geothermal Energy in Latin America

With a rich network of volcanoes on the Ring of Fire, Latin America is uniquely positioned to benefit from developing geothermal energy within their countries. However, because geothermal energy is not found at the surface level of the earth, exploration costs, which translate to market price, are very high, and at the moment limit the potential for Latin America to draw out its full geothermal potential. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Ximena Guardia Muguruza, an Environmental Engineer and expert on geothermal energy currently studying at the University of Rekjavik. Together, they discuss the landscape of geothermal energy projects in Latin America, with a close focus on Peru, where the industry remains in its very early stages. They also unpack the key benefits offered by geothermal power sources, and outline what determinants of success will look like for tapping the full potential of geothermal in Peru, and throughout the hemisphere.
2023-02-09
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Best of 35 West: Logros y Limitaciones en el Sector Digital en México / Achievements and Limitations in Mexico's Digital Sector

En este episodio especial en español Ryan C. Berg se sienta a conversar con Valeria Moy, directora general del Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad, uno de los centros de investigación más reconocido en México. Ellos conversaron sobre el estado del sector digital en México y los desafíos para el acceso seguro y fiable a Internet para todos. Aunque México tiene potencial significante en el espacio digital, el sector de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) sufre de prácticas anticompetitivas. Además la conversación se centró del estado más amplio de las relaciones económicas entre México y Estados Unidos, incluso el T-MEC y Diálogo Económico de Alto Nivel. In this special Spanish-Language episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Valeria Moy, Director General of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, one of the most well-known think tanks in Mexico. They discussed the state of the digital sector in Mexico and the challenges to secure, reliable access to internet for all. While Mexico has great potential in the digital space, its Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector is held back by anticompetitive practices. The conversation also focused on broader developments in the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship, including the USMCA and High-Level Economic Dialogue.  
2023-01-26
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The Future of Hydrogen Development in the Western Hemisphere

In recent years, hydrogen has risen as an important prospect in the energy transition. Latin America is looking closely at the hydrogen industry, and governments in countries such as Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and Paraguay are betting on green hydrogen production; that is, hydrogen that is produced with renewable resources, such as wind and solar, as opposed to coal, natural gas, or other non-renewables.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Sunita Satyapal, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Together, they unpack the uses and role of hydrogen, the state of play in the Western Hemisphere, and some of the actions the United States is taking to promote further hydrogen development. They also underscore the importance of partnerships across the public and private sectors to cultivate expertise and accelerate hydrogen technology adoption.
2023-01-12
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Politics and the Private Sector: How the Latin American Business Community Confronts Today?s Challenges

The Western Hemisphere has been rocked by a series of regional and global shocks, from supply chain disruptions, to growing food insecurity, to political polarization and ongoing environmental shifts. In the face of these disruptions, private enterprise and the business community play an important role, maintaining livelihoods, supporting innovative technologies, and advocating for sustainable development. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón, a Visiting Diplomatic Fellow with the CSIS Americas program, and former two-time Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. Together, they discuss the importance of the private sector for Latin America's post-pandemic recovery and economic future. They also dig into rising political polarization and democratic backsliding in the region, and how the private sector can respond to these challenges.
2022-11-03
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Defending Media Integrity in the Americas

Journalists throughout the region must not only navigate rising disinformation, misinformation, and political polarization, but also threats to their own physical safety as the hemisphere continues to rank as one of the deadliest regions for journalist protections. To fortify the free and independent press throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the Organization of American States recently announced the establishment of the Center for Media Integrity of the Americas, a hub for best practices and support for journalists throughout the region. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Ambassador John Feeley, former U.S. Ambassador to Panama and the inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Media Integrity of the Americas. Together, they discuss the Center's emergent role and efforts to uplift journalistic integrity amid a shifting media landscape. They also discuss the persistence of threats to journalists' safety, and the increased role of social media in shaping informational environments. 
2022-10-20
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O Primeiro Turno das Eleições Brasileiras Traz Questões Complexas / No Easy Answers in Brazil?s First Round Presidential Election

No dia 2 de Outubro, o povo brasileiro votou no primeiro turno das eleições presidenciais. Por mais que nenhum candidato tenha conseguido uma maioria total, o Presidente Jair Bolsonaro e o ex-presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, que ganharam respectivamente 43 e 48% dos votos válidos, irão para o segundo turno. Nessa semana, Ryan C. Berg conversará com Thiago de Aragão, um senior associate no CSIS e diretor de estratégia na Arko Advice. Juntos, eles analisam os resultados da eleição, discutem as razões por trás da surpreendentemente pequena margem entre Lula e Bolsonaro e os principais erros das pesquisas, e o que podemos esperar até o segundo turno. Eles também discutem a parceria dos Estados Unidos com o Brazil, um dos principais aliados americanos no hemisfério, e o futuro da política estrangeira estado-unidense com o Brasil independentemente do próximo presidente. On October 2, Brazilians voted in the first round of the country?s presidential elections. While no candidate secured a majority of the vote that would allow them to claim victory immediately, both incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and former president Luis Inacio ?Lula? da Silva emerged as clear frontrunners, receiving approximately 43 and 48 percent of all votes cast respectively. This week, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Thiago de Aragão, a senior associate with CSIS and director of strategy at Arko Advice, a political risk analysis firm based in Brazil. Together, they unpack the election results, why some polls significantly underestimated the margin of support for Bolsonaro and Lula, and what to expect as the election heads towards a run-off. They also discuss the importance of Brazil as a strategic partner of the United States and keystone country in the hemisphere, and weigh in on U.S. foreign policy options for Brazil no matter who emerges as the next president.
2022-10-06
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Constitutions, Complications, and Next Steps in Chile

On September 4, Chileans took to the polls for a constitutional referendum that saw a highly progressive draft constitution overwhelmingly rejected, with 62 percent voting against, and just 38 percent in favor. The outcome is a setback for the Boric government, which has tied itself to the constitutional reform project, and promises to lengthen an already long-running process. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Patricio Navia, Professor of Liberal Studies at New York University and Professor of Political Science at Universidad Diego Portales in Chile. Together, they unpack why the referendum resulted in a significant win for the "reject" campaign despite high levels of support for a new constitution in general. They also analyze the implications of the vote for the Chilean government, options for re-drafting a constitution, and what lessons can be learned from the referendum for the region as a whole.
2022-09-22
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The Terms of Engagement for China in Latin America and the Caribbean

China has significantly expanded its presence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, elevating worries that the democratic traditions of the Western Hemisphere could be at risk. However, the types of engagement China pursues and the consequences they present are often poorly understood, leading to misunderstandings between Washington and the region.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Pepe Zhang, associate director and fellow at the Atlantic Council?s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. Together they break down the various economic, political, and institutional ways China has pursued a closer relationship with Latin American and Caribbean countries. They also sketch the contours of a U.S. strategy for addressing China's engagement in the hemisphere, and argue that the United States to put the needs of the region first for such a strategy to be effective.
2022-09-08
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Dictatorship in Nicaragua Goes Global

Nicaragua?s descent into authoritarianism has had far-reaching humanitarian, economic, and diplomatic consequences. One lesser-understood dimension of this crisis has been the growing reliance of the Ortega-Murillo regime on extra-hemispheric authoritarian states to help cement its hold on power in the face of both international and domestic pressures. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Evan Ellis, research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, and a Senior Associate with the CSIS Americas Program. Together, they discuss how Nicaragua has cultivated alliances with autocratic regimes around the world, including Russia, China, and Iran, in addition to like-minded regimes within the hemisphere. They also discuss options for the United States and allies to push back against these global authoritarian networks and increase pressure on the Ortega-Murillo regime.
2022-08-25
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Logros y Limitaciones en el Sector Digital en México / Achievements and Limitations in Mexico's Digital Sector

En este episodio especial en español Ryan C. Berg se sienta a conversar con Valeria Moy, directora general del Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad, uno de los centros de investigación más reconocido en México. Ellos conversaron sobre el estado del sector digital en México y los desafíos para el acceso seguro y fiable a Internet para todos. Aunque México tiene potencial significante en el espacio digital, el sector de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) sufre de prácticas anticompetitivas. Además la conversación se centró del estado más amplio de las relaciones económicas entre México y Estados Unidos, incluso el T-MEC y Diálogo Económico de Alto Nivel. In this special Spanish-Language episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Valeria Moy, Director General of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, one of the most well-known think tanks in Mexico. They discussed the state of the digital sector in Mexico and the challenges to secure, reliable access to internet for all. While Mexico has great potential in the digital space, its Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector is held back by anticompetitive practices. The conversation also focused on broader developments in the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship, including the USMCA and High-Level Economic Dialogue.  
2022-08-11
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Best of 35 West: Sharpening the Democratic Playbook

Around the world, democratic institutions have come under siege, while consolidation within and between autocratic regimes has accelerated in recent years. As it becomes increasingly evident that autocrats are following a shared ?playbook,? it is of extreme importance that democracies build their own set of shared tactics for promoting civil and political rights, defending electoral integrity, and sustaining rule of law. In this "best of" episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Christopher Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow for Latin America, the US and the Americas Programme at Chatham House. Together, they outline what the international community can do to push back on rising authoritarianism, and empower democracy defenders. They focus in particular on the case of Venezuela, considering the options available for the opposition, United States, and global democratic community for dismantling Maduro's dictatorial playbook. 
2022-07-28
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The Future of USAID?s Partnership with Colombia

The victory of Gustavo Petro in the recent Colombian presidential elections heralds a political change in Colombia. However, Colombia remains an important strategic partner for the U.S. in the hemisphere, and a new government does not change this fact. In this episode, Margarita R. Seminario sits down with Peter Natiello, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development?s (USAID) Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Together, Margarita and Peter unpack USAID's longstanding partnership with Colombia, and how the agency plans to work with the Petro?s Administration. They also outline USAID's steadfast contribution to the peace process in Colombia and continued efforts to consolidate peace gains for all Colombians.
2022-07-08
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The Inter-American Defense Board in a Changing Hemisphere / A Junta Interamericana de Defesa em um Hemisfério em Mudança

In this special Portuguese-language episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Vice-Admiral Alexandre Rabello de Faria, Chairman of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB). The IADB exists to provide the Organization of American States and its members with technical, advisory, and educational services on issues related to military and defense matters in the hemisphere. Together, they discuss the work of the IADB and the evolution of its role over the past 80 years. The episode touches upon the importance of a multilateral approach to emerging challenges in the Americas from cybersecurity to disaster relief and attacks on democratic institutions. The conversation also touched upon the Board's global role in responding to threats from malign extra-hemispheric actors as well as work with other multilateral institutions. A Junta Interamericana de Defesa em um Hemisfério em Mudança Neste episódio especial em língua portuguesa, Ryan C. Berg senta-se com o Vice-Almirante Alexandre Rabello de Faria, Presidente do Conselho de Delegados da Junta Interamericana de Defesa (JID). A JID existe para fornecer à Organização dos Estados Americanos e seus membros serviços técnicos, consultivos e educação sobre questões relacionadas a assuntos militares e de defesa no hemisfério. Juntos, eles discutem o trabalho da JID e a evolução de seu papel nos últimos 80 anos. O episódio aborda a importância de uma abordagem multilateral para os desafios emergentes nas Américas, da segurança cibernética  ao alívio de desastres e ataques às instituições democráticas. A conversa também abordou o papel global do Conselho para responder às ameaças de atores malignos extra-hemisféricos, assim como para trabalhar com outras instituições multilaterais.
2022-06-23
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The Geopolitics of Special Economic Zones in the Americas

As the Western Hemisphere works to recover from the ongoing pandemic, adjust to new global economic shocks, and create good-paying jobs and stable livelihoods for citizens, the private sector will play a key role in fostering development. Special Economic Zones, or SEZs represent an important and multifaceted tool for empowering economic development throughout the region, especially as the United States looks to nearshore or "friendshore" key industries.    In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Greg Huger, Executive Director of the HUGE Business and Investment Council. Together, they discuss the factors that make an SEZ successful not just for attracting and promoting private enterprise, but engaging local communities and national governments. They focus on the role of SEZ operators in the geopolitical space as well, especially in light of China's efforts to export its own SEZ governance frameworks to the region, as well as the U.S. commitment to support economic rebuilding in Central America at the Summit of the Americas.
2022-06-09
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A Regional View on the Summit of the Americas

The upcoming Summit of the Americas ought to be an important venue for the United States and the region to align responses to shared challenges and strengthen hemispheric cooperation. Nevertheless, the summit is already struggling to live up to this potential, facing criticism that the current agenda downplays the concerns voiced by the region, as well as recent threats by several countries including Mexico, Bolivia, and Honduras to boycott the event. In this episode, Juan Cruz, Senior Adviser and Director of the CSIS Argentina-U.S. Strategic Forum, sits down with Dr. Francisco de Santibañes, Vice President of the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI), one of the most prominent Argentine foreign policy think tanks. Together, the two discuss prospects for the summit and share a south-to-north perspective on the key issues that should be on the table, but have not received sufficient attention in summit coverage. These include the importance of infrastructure investments for the region, the growth of the digital economy, and the role educational and scientific exchanges play in bonding the hemisphere together.
2022-05-26
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Sharpening the Democratic Playbook

Around the world, democratic institutions have come under siege, while consolidation within and between autocratic regimes has accelerated in recent years. As it becomes increasingly evident that autocrats are following a shared ?playbook,? it is of extreme importance that democracies build their own set of shared tactics for promoting civil and political rights, defending electoral integrity, and sustaining rule of law. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Christopher Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow for Latin America, the US and the Americas Programme at Chatham House. Together, they outline what the international community can do to push back on rising authoritarianism, and empower democracy defenders. They focus in particular on the case of Venezuela, considering the options available for the opposition, United States, and global democratic community for dismantling Maduro's dictatorial playbook. 
2022-05-12
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The Future of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras

The recent move by the Honduran Congress to repeal the 2013 law authorizing the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (Zonas de Empleo y Desarollo Económico, or ZEDEs) has wide-ranging consequences for the country's economic future. While the Zones have been heavily criticized by the Castro administration, eliminating them risks a complicated legal and political battle in no party's best interest. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Matthew Rooney, Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships at the George W. Bush Center. Together, they discuss expectations for the ZEDE model and its impact on economic growth, as well as some of the obstacles the zones confront when it comes to political stability and change. They also discuss the implications of the vote by Congress for the ZEDEs, and investment in Honduras more broadly.
2022-05-05
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Best of 35 West: Forced Labor & Environmental Degradation in the Mining Industry

Forced Labor & Environmental Degradation in the Mining Industry Special re-release: In this special Spanish-language episode, Margarita sits down with Pilar Velasquez of the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking in the Bureau of International Labor Affairs at the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). They discuss artisanal and small-scale mining and its connection to environmental degradation, forced labor, and child labor in the Andean region. Pilar introduces some of the USDOL's efforts to mitigate these environmental and human rights effects and discusses how the private sector and civil society can engage with this issue. This episode originally aired January 7, 2021. Trabajo forzoso y degradación ambiental en el sector minero En este episodio especial en español, Margarita conversa con Pilar Velásquez de la Oficina de Trabajo Infantil, Trabajo Forzado, y Trata de Personas de la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales Laborales en el Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos (USDOL). Pilar y Margarita conversan sobre la minería de oro informal e ilegal en la Región Andina y su conexión con la degradación ambiental y el trabajo forzoso. Pilar comparte algunos esfuerzos del USDOL para mitigar estos efectos y analiza el papel del sector privado y de la sociedad civil.
2022-04-28
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El Futuro del Chavismo en Venezuela / The Future of Chavismo in Venezuela

En este episodio especial en español Ryan C. Berg se sienta a conversar con Indira Urbaneja, analista política y la CEO de Reunificados, una organización venezolana sin fines de lucro que apoyo democracia, inclusión, y derechos humanos. Ellos conversaron sobre las facciones más importantes dentro del chavismo y el surgimiento de un grupo dentro del partido que desea revitalizar el chavismo con campañas y elecciones legítimas. Aunque Maduro se ha consolidado en el poder, el PSUV no es un monolito, y hay fuerzas dentro del partido de gobierno que pueden crear situaciones imprevisibles y difíciles de controlar para el régimen. Además la conversación se centró de la oposición, y de los retos y los posibilidades que se presentan para las elecciones de 2024. The Future of Chavismo in Venezuela In this special Spanish-Language episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Indira Urbaneja, a political analyst and the CEO of Reunificados, a Venezuelan non-profit dedicated to supporting democracy, inclusion, and human rights. They discussed some of the important factions within the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), and the rise of a group within the party that is looking to revitalize chavismo through campaigns and legitimate elections. Although Maduro has consolidated his hold on power, the PSUV is not a monolith, and there are forces within the governing party that can create situations that are unpredictable and difficult for the regime to control. The conversation also focused on the opposition, and the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for the 2024 elections.
2022-04-14
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The PCA: Turning the Tide and Moving the Needle

In the May 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a call to action for private sector actors to help address the root causes of migration by generating new economic opportunities in Central America. Born from this pledge, the Partnership for Central America (PCA) has emerged as a coordinating body for businesses and social enterprises to support innovative, effective, and scalable initiatives aimed at economic growth and human development. In this episode, Margarita R. Seminario sits down with Mark Lopes, Chief Operating Officer of the Partnership for Central America. Together, they discuss the vision behind the PCA, its current projects in the region, and work on gender and inclusion. They also reflect on future directions for the PCA, and the importance of choosing the right metrics for assessing large-scale development projects.
2022-03-31
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How the Appropriate Technologies can Contribute to Disaster Risk Reduction

Between 1970 and 2019, disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean impacted almost 300 million people, killed more than half a million people, and had an estimated cost the region close to half a trillion dollars. These disasters are especially harmful for already-vulnerable populations, and create new forms of long-lasting vulnerability in their wake, making disaster risk reduction and resilience a top priority for the region. In this episode, Margarita R. Seminario sits down with Kamilah Morain, the Head of the Trinidad and Tobago office at the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), and an expert in community-led development. Together, the two unpack disaster risk reduction policies, with a focus on the inclusion of community voices highlighting the role new technologies can play in supporting these efforts and underscoring the critical importance of choosing the right technologies for the job.
2022-03-17
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Taking Stock of International Criminal Court's Investigation into the Maduro Regime

Since 2018 the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been investigating abuses perpetrated by the Venezuelan security forces. Last November, the ICC Chief Prosecutor signed a Letter of Understanding with Nicolás Maduro beginning a formal investigation?the first of its kind launched in a Latin American country.  In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with José Ignacio Hernández, the former Special Prosecutor of the Interim Government of Venezuela, and a visiting fellow at Harvard University?s Center for International Development. Together, they discuss the likely outcomes of the investigation and progress made so far. They also highlight the importance of international criminal investigations for advancing the conversation around human rights and democracy within Venezuela.
2022-03-03
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Unpacking Special Economic Zones in Central America

With around 500 different special economic zones (SEZs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, these zones act as accelerators for trade and investment. While many focus on tax rates, tariffs, and regulatory environments to incentivize business development, some models go well beyond to create entirely new institutions within their borders.   In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Shanker Singham, CEO of the Competere Group, to talk about the role special economic zones play in Central America. Together, they delve into the nuances of different SEZ models, in particular the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs in Spanish) in Honduras. The subject of intense debate within Honduras, Shanker provides insights into the challenges and opportunities the ZEDEs present and how the United States should approach these zones.
2022-02-17
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