Latin American Intersections

Adam Isacson joins us today to help us understand the challenges, successes, and pitfalls of local, US, and international aid and security programs in Colombia. We discuss lessons learned and how leveraging multi sector partnerships (private, government, academic, military, NGO), and developing the right leaders, may improve the results of security and humanitarian aid efforts and accelerate development goals in Colombia and across the region.

Dr. Evan Ellis joins us again, this time to discuss Chinese influence and investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, and how the COVID19 crisis may accelerate China’s presence given the regions circumstances.

We return with John Polga and Brian Fonseca to discuss what's new with Venezuela in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, as the U.S. simultaneously indicts Nicolas Maduro  and offers a road to lifting sanctions in consideration of the health challenges Venezuelans may face.

James Ellsmoor, Director of Solar Head of State and Founder of Island Innovation, has a unique way of communicating and promoting the use of renewables on islands around the world: installing solar photovoltaic systems on government buildings and officials’ residences. Listen in as he talks about the progress and opportunities behind the adoption of renewable energy in the Caribbean.

The University of Puerto Rico is a central hub of education, innovation, and community support across the island. Listen in as university Chancellor Wilma Santiago and student council President Angeli Rivera of the UPR Mayagüez campus discuss the university’s role in the ongoing development of Puerto Rico, it’s contributions to the U.S. private and public sector, and the challenges it faces over a year after Hurricane Maria.

Brian, John, and Mike follow up on recent events in Venezuela, and the momentum that may be the downfall of the Maduro Regime...

A lot is happening in Venezuela as an opposition leader is recognized as interim president by much of the international community. Listen in as John, Brian, and Mike weigh in with both optimism and caution in this freestyle discussion.

Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera, president of Costa Rica from 2014 - 2018, discusses policies and investments that helped shape and promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the country. Despite the many challenges Costa Rica produced 98% of its energy from renewables, and now is expanding policies to decrease the use of fossil fuels in transportation. Could Costa Rica’s model be adopted and adapted by other countries, especially in Central America. What are some of the opportunities and challenges for investors interested in the country’s energy sector? Let’s find out...

Dr John Polga-Hecimovich, Professor of Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy and Brian Fonseca, Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy at Florida International University bring us an update on Venezuela and insights into the China-Venezuela relationship. A big thank you to Kazim Sultan of 5adb0iMusic, who is working diligently to improve our audio as we develop our production techniques.