The LatinNews Podcast

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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, attent...

 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 ...

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 pros...

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 ...

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 politics. However, his administration ha...

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 points out, the current security si...

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 Venice and FLACSO Ecuador, ab...

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-Mexico Studies, the Françoise an...

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 the Department of Global Studi...

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 to critically assess the narrativ...

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. Julio Carrión - specialist in Latin...

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 people.

Phil Gunson provides a uniq...

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 intact and the Cuban ...

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 President Trump's relati...

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 Political Science at the University of Co...

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 convincingly and what were the fail...