Ecuador has declared it’s facing an "internal armed conflict." Security forces have been ordered to “neutralize” several criminal groups accused of spreading extreme violence. It comes after an extraordinary 24 hours that saw violence broadcast live on television after masked gunmen stormed a TV station, taking staff hostage. Now the country is in a state of emergency with reports of looting and explosions. Correspondent Patrick Oppmann explains what led to this point. His report is followed by an interview with Roberto Izurieta Canova, spokesperson for the country's president. 

Also on today's show: Harvard constitutional scholar Noah Feldman; journalist Yuval Abraham; lo Capitano director Matteo Garrone and script consultant Mamadou Kouassi 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices