Latin Pulse

Turmoil and violence in Mexico, both past and present provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program discusses the impact of Mexico's drug cartels on the agricultural sector, including the trade in limes and avocados. The program analyzes the impact of the Knights Templar cartel on the Mexican state of Michoacan and how the government is trying to fight the violence that cartel breeds. The program also includes a retrospective discussion of the Zapatista revolt, 20 years later.  The news segment of the program covers the changes in Brazil this week regarding regulation of the internet. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Steven Dudley of InSightCrime.org; and Jorge Luis Sierra, Mexican journalist. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and Writer: Elyssa Pachico. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Mexico Zapatistas insurgents Brazil internet espionage limes Sinaloa cartel avocados Zetas cartel Drug War agriculture vigilantes Dilma Rousseff methamphetamine marijuana Knights Templar cartel cocaine economics piracy drug cartels hijacking crime justice police military media NAFTA politics poverty counter-insurgency Mexican military human rights indigenous communities history indigenous issues paramilitary groups corruption

Death and resurrection are the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The theme of resurrection is provided just ahead of the Easter season through an examination of the growth of evangelical Protestantism throughout Latin America.  The program looks at the explosive growth of pentecostal denominations in Brazil, Central America and other parts of the region.  News of the death of Nobel-prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez has cast the region into mourning for this important writer.  The program reflects on the life and legacy of Garcia Marquez and discusses how he made magical realism a key form in literature. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University; and Nuria Vilanova of American University.  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and Writer: Rae Daniel. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Colombia religion media evangelicals pentecostalism Brazil poverty United States Catholicism Central America prosperity theology priests Guatemala Pope Francis genocide Uruguay Latin American literature Gabriel Garcia Marquez Juan Manuel Santos Efrain Rios Montt Honduras Nicaragua theology Edir Macedo magical realism

Issues of democratization in Venezuela and Cuba provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The controversy over whether the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) overstepped its proper functions by sponsoring a secret communications program in Cuba provides one of this week's debatable topics.  Latin Pulse also interviews one of the key leaders of Venezuela's protest movement and debates whether that movement represents free speech or an anti-democratic method to seize power. This week's commentary reviews a landmark case of lesbian rights in Chile and how that might be applied to an upcoming case in the Dominican Republic. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Phil Brenner of American University; and Rodrigo Diamanti of El Mundo Sin Mordaza.  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Cuba internet media Venezuela democracy USAID politics U.S. Congress elections covert operations Raul Castro espionage embargo Hugo Chavez zunzuneo Spain George W. Bush violence communications CIA Costa Rica Barack Obama Edward Snowden Nicolas Maduro protest movement NSA dictatorship coup Leopoldo Lopez United States

This week Latin Pulse returns to the issues of human rights and politics in Central America.  The program includes an in-depth look at the human rights abuses attached to the land conflicts in the Bajo Aguan area of Honduras.  The program also looks at this weekend's presidential runoff in Costa Rica.  The discussion revolves around the key issues that will face the next president of Costa Rica.  The news segment of the program looks at revelations that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) secretly was behind the establishment of a Twitter-like text service in Cuba. The program includes an in-depth interview with: Ciska Raventos of the Universidad de Costa Rica.  The program also includes interviews with: Nik Steinberg of Human Rights Watch; Annie Bird of Rights Action; and Alex Main of the Center for Economic & Policy Research (CEPR). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell;  Reporter: Rachel Baye; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Honduras military coup politics human rights elections Bajo Aguan Central America espionage economics infrastructure improvements Cuba internet media justice police Juan Orlando Hernandez Luis Guillermo Solis Citizens Action Party violence impunity agriculture Costa Rica land conflicts World Bank Manuel Zelaya Porfirio Lobo Johnny Araya agribusiness homicides Dinant finances militarization military PLN corruption unemployment coup taxes

On the cusp of the 50th anniversary of the Brazilian military coup, Latin Pulse looks backward at the important history of Brazil and how it was altered by this Cold War military take-over.  The program includes the views of a historian researching the coup and its after-effects and also of an academic who lived through the military policies and saw the changes as Brazil began to democratize again in the 1980s.  The news segment of the program covers the labor unrest in Paraguay that has hit that country's economy. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Victoria Langland, the University of Michigan; and Cristina Pacheco, of the State University of Paraiba.  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Brazil military coup Paraguay protest movement labor strike politics human rights history repression Chile Cuba religion religion and politics Uruguay espionage democratization education economics Workers Party Getulio Vargas Joao Goulart Cold War Operation Condor truth commission infrastructure improvements Dilma Rousseff Fernando Henrique Cardoso oil labor movement

Latin Pulse returns to its regular schedule this with a variety of items, including discussions of religion and sports.  One key interview in the program covers how Brazil is preparing for FIFA's World Cup and how preparation for that sports competition has diverted funds for transportation, healthcare, and education.  The program also includes a discussion about the growth of religious freedom in Cuba with a Cuban cleric.  And the program also includes a commentary about the ongoing violent protests in Venezuela.  The news segment of the program covers protests against violence in Mexico. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Paulo Sotero, Director of the Brazil Institute of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and Dr. Reinerio Arce, Rector and President of the Protestant Ecumenical Seminary in Matanzas, Cuba.  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Mexico media economics Drug War infrastructure improvements protest movement politics religious repression violence soccer football Brazil Cuba religion religion and politics Afro-Cubans transportation sports education healthcare embargo Christianity Santeria communism poverty reform diplomacy World Cup

Elections and politics in Central America provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program looks at the politics and topics driving this weekend's elections in El Salvador.  The program also covers the political and electoral topography in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.  The program compares the economic climate in El Salvador and how they differ from neighboring Honduras, and why that makes El Salvador a different and more stable political system.  The news segment of the program covers the diplomatic spat between Venezuela, Panama and the United States, and the anti-government protests that have sparked the diplomatic disputes. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and John Booth of the University of North Texas. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela Central America Nicolas Maduro protest movement politics Mexico El Salvador Panama crime economics elections diplomacy Honduras Nicaragua Hugo Chavez Salvador Sanchez Ceren Luis Guillermo Solis Citizens Action Party Juan Orlando Hernandez PLN FMLN ARENA PRI corruption police Sandinistas FSLN Johnny Araya United States Mauricio Funes Daniel Ortega Rosario Murillo Manuel Zelaya Liberal Party street gangs gang truce justice security

The violent protests that have rocked Venezuela this month provide the central theme this week on Latin Pulse.  The program analyzes the politics of both the opposition and the government of President Nicolas Maduro.  In reflection, the program also looks at the legacy of the late President Hugo Chavez who died almost a year ago. The news segment of the program covers the latest in the Drug War in Mexico with the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa Cartel. The program also includes a commentary about telenovelas and machismo. The program includes in-depth interviews with: David Smilde of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and the University of Georgia; and Julia Buxton of Central European University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell;  Repoter: Zach Cohen; and Associate Producer: Rae Daniel. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela Leopoldo Lopez Nicolas Maduro protest movement politics Mexico Drug War militarization violence economics media poverty democracy oil Hugo Chavez Henrique Capriles Radonski NAFTA trade neoliberalism censorship

The problems corruption causes for politics, policy, and society is the central topic for this extended version of Latin Pulse this week.  The program traces the effects of political scandals in Colombia, Brazil, Panama, and Costa Rica.  The expert panel on this program also discusses some of the countries with the worst corruption problems including Honduras and Venezuela.  The program also features an in-depth report on the Cuban Five espionage case. The news segment of the program gives an update on the unrest in Venezuela led by the political opposition and the student movement. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Fulton Armstrong of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ); and Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Other interviews include: Gloria La Riva of the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five;  Stephen Kimber the University of King's College, Halifax, Canada; and Robert Muse, attorney. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell;  Repoter: Rachel Baye; and Associate Producer: Zach Cohen. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 60 minutes in length and the file size is 55 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela Leopoldo Lopez Nicolas Maduro protest movement politics Colombia United States trade Mexico Brazil Panama corruption Honduras Costa Rica elections Panama Canal PUSC Ricardo Martinelli Laura Chinchilla paramilitaries taxes Cuba Cuban Five Drug War Johnny Araya media La Nacion PLN Italy Spain justice Central America Uruguay espionage FBI Cuban exiles Fidel Castro Alan Grossdiplomacy spies transportation police

The power, politics, and economics behind oil in Latin America provide the central focus on Latin Pulse this week.  The program goes in-depth on Venezuelan oil production and what it has meant for that country.  The role oil has played in the further militarization of Venezuela is also a key theme explored in the discussion.  The program also discusses political reforms in Mexico meant to revive oil production there and the latest regarding oil reserves in both Brazil and Colombia. The news segment of the program looks at unrest in Venezuela led by the political opposition and the student movement. The program includes interviews with: Jeff Colgan of American University; and  Ramon Espinasa of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 41 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela Leopoldo Lopez Nicolas Maduro protest movement politics oil Colombia diplomacy United States economics China FARC business trade Canada Hugo Chavez arms sales Henrique Capriles Radonski Fernando Henrique Cardoso Mexico environmentalism Russia Iran investment militarization Brazil Peru PDVSA Pemex Petrobras poverty reforms

Politics and elections provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse with a deep exploration of politics in Colombia and Panama.  In Colombia, President Juan Manuel Santos is running for re-election but a former president, Alvaro Uribe and his political coalition are proving problematic to Santos' goals.  The discussion on Panama swirls around who will succeed President Ricardo Martinelli and if his independent party will continue its dominance over the traditional parties. The news segment gives an update on the presidential campaigns in El Salvador and Costa Rica. The program includes interviews with: Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and  Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 29 MB.)   podcast news Latin America FMLN El Salvador Costa Rica Central America politics elections Colombia Panama Central America insurgents guerrillas FARC inequity PRD democracy Alvaro Uribe Oscar Zuluaga Salvador Sanchez Ceren Luis Guillermo Solis Juan Manuel Santos Citizens Action Party Juan Carlos Navarro Jose Domingo Arias Juan Carlos Varela corruption land reform Hugo Chavez peace talks paramilitary groups human rights Panamenista Partay Cambio Democratico Manuel Noriega Ricardo Martinelli social programs Catholic Church media

The surging popularity of left-wing parties in Central America and the fear tactics used against them take center stage for this preview on Latin Pulse of the presidential elections coming in El Salvador and Costa Rica.  In El Salvador, a former guerrilla leader is the frontrunner to be the next president.  In Costa Rica, although the center-left ruling party leads the polls, strong challenges are coming from further left on the political spectrum.  The news segment provides an update on drug violence in the Mexican state of Michoacan and the new pact between the Mexican government and vigilante groups. The program includes interviews with: Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and  Francisco Robles Rivera of the Universidad Nacional and the Universidad de Costa Rica. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 41 MB.)   podcast news Latin America FMLN drug war politics Mexico violence drug cartels El Salvador ARENA economics GANA communism elections media Costa Rica immigration Mauricio Funes militarization Hillary Clinton Honduras Salvador Sanchez Ceren Jose Maria Villalta Barrio 18 Gang Citizens Action Party corruption Central America crime gangs insurgents prisons MS-13 diplomacy PLN PUSC Norman Quijano Tony Saca United States Barack Obama Johnny Araya human rights Frente Amplio

Controversy in Honduras and the impact of Japanese emigrants on Latin America provide the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse.  Next week, Honduras is set to inaugurate Juan Orlando Hernandez as the country's new president.  But questions about the fall election that brought Hernandez to office linger, along with concerns about violence and further militarization of the country.  The program also looks at how generations of Japanese emigrants have left their mark on Brazil, Peru and other parts of the region.  The news segment of the program provides an update on drug violence in the Mexican state of Michoacan. The program includes interviews with: Alex Main of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR); and  Dan Masterson of the U.S. Naval Academy. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 41 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Honduras drug war politics Mexico violence drug cartels National Party OAS economics police coup elections media Libre Party immigration Porfirio Lobo militarization Hillary Clinton education Enrique Pena Nieto Xiomara Castro de Zelaya Juan Orlando Hernandez Japan minority issues Brazil Peru diaspora agriculture culture coffee Italy labor

Economic and political reforms in Mexico are the centerpieces of analysis on Latin Pulse this week. The program also covers new violence and concerns over the security situation in Mexico.  The analysis spends considerable timing assessing the first year in office of President Enrique Pena Nieto.  The program also includes a repeat of interviews on Mexico and U.S policy to mark the passing of Robert Pastor, former U.S. National Security Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean.  During those retrospective discussions the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and U.S. policy with Venezuela provide the central themes. The program includes interviews with: Duncan Wood of the Wilson Center; and an archival interview with the late Robert Pastor, formerly of American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 41 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela drug war politics Mexico violence drug cartels protest movements crime economics police trade reforms oil Felipe Calderon energy Barack Obama Hillary Clinton education militarization NAFTA gun smuggling Enrique Pena Nieto Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador immigration diplomacy Canada cancer Hugo Chavez

Up-coming elections in Central America grab our attention this week on Latin Pulse. Voters go to the polls in both El Salvador and Costa Rica early next month.  This program sorts out the key candidates, the polls, and some of the major issues for both countries with corruption scandals of the past still affecting voter dissatisfaction.  The program also includes a commentary looking forward and backward at U.S. policy in Latin America. The news segment of the program covers the the killing of Monica Spear, a Venezuelan beauty queen and actress. The program includes interviews with: Hector Silva of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and  Lowell Gudmundson of Mount Holyoke College. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 41 MB.)   podcast news Latin America Venezuela El Salvador politics elections violence Costa Rica Mauricio Funes crime FMLN ARENA PLN PUSC gangs Tony Saca corruption Norman Quijano Central America Monica Spear Johnny Araya Laura Chinchilla justice police Oscar Arias Salvador Sanchez Ceren Barrio 18 Gang Guatemala impunity MS-13 MS-13 Gang