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 narratives surrounding the candidates and the implications for the country. 

And, polls suggest a tight race, indicating that Flávio Bolsonaro - son of former president Jair Bolsonaro - is neck and neck with Lula as they head into the October elections.

This week on The LatinNews Podcast, we talk to André Borges, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Brasilia and one of the editors of: "The Recasting of the Latin American Right: Polarization and Conservative reactions." 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 American and Comparative Politics and Professor at the University of Delaware -  on the political instability, history, and economic dynamics of Peru, including the legacy of Fujimori, recent elections, and international influences.

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 unique perspective on the atmosphere in Caracas after the leadership change. While many celebrate Maduro's departure, the existing power structures remain largely intact, leading to a cautious optimism among the populace. The release of political prisoners and reforms in the oil industry are significant steps, but the question remains: can these changes lead to a genuine political transition? 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 state continues to function.

Joining us is Dr Jorge Domínguez, retired professor at Harvard University and a leading expert on Cuba, who has just returned from Havana. Drawing on first-hand observations, he examines the gap between economic collapse narratives and the resilience of the Cuban state.

We discuss the evolving nature of US pressure, the distinction between embargo and blockade, China and Russia’s limited roles, the political durability of the regime under President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the possible short-term scenarios ahead.

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 relationship with President Sheinbaum in Mexico develop and evolve? Will the US intervene in elections in Brazil, Colombia and Peru? And what of Cuba? 

Joining us this week is Jon Bonfiglio, an analyst and journalist based in Latin America and specialising in the region. 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 Costa Rica and researcher at the State of the Nation program, to discuss the upcoming elections and the legacy of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves.

We talk about the strength of Costa Rica's democracy, the homicide crisis affecting the country, security, the state of the traditional political parties, foreign policy and relations with the United States and the environment.

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

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 failures of President Gabriel Boric. Will Kast open lithium to private investors, what are his solutions to rising crime in Chile and will he carry out mass expulsions of immigrants, as promised during the campaign trail. 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at the recent presidential election in Honduras and explore why the incumbent party performed so poorly, the probable outcomes from this neck and neck contest between Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura, the role of President Trump and the pardon of former president Juan Orlando Hernández. 

Joining us is Lucas Perelló, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Florida Atlantic University. 

This episode was recorded before the final vote tally was completed but explores the topics of corruption, drug trafficking, migration, declining remittances and security issues that Honduras continues to face and that the new president will be obliged to address. 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Argentina's colourful President Javier Milei has been in power for two years and on The LatinNews Podcast this week, we take a look at his record so far and possible outcomes for the future after a successful midterm elections and significant public approval for his mandate. 

Joining us is Carlos Gervasoni, Associate Professor and chair of Political Science and International Studies at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. We discuss Milei's role as a stereotypical outsider, Argentina's disastrous macroeconomic legacy and the political and institutional weaknesses in the country in addition to Argentina's role as a spoiler at major multilateral negotiations in order to align itself with the Trump government in the United States. 

We ask, can President Milei solve Argentina's frustrating political economy pendulum and break the country's long tradition of institutional weakness? 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

Over the past 12 years, Jamaica has faced up to challenging hardships in order to earn hard won gains in terms of ordering the economy, reducing the debt to GDP ratio from 150% to 60% and reducing unemployment to 3.3%. It was, in short, an incredible success story. 

And then in November 2025, the island was struck by Hurricane Melissa, leaving the country in tatters. The two main industries of tourism and agriculture have been severely damaged and the outlook appears bleak.

However, on The LatinNews Podcast this week, we speak to Caribbean economist Marla Dukharan who believes, in spite of the tragedy that befell Jamaica, that there are reasons to remain positive, as the platform for growth and recovery remain intact for the island nation. 

For Dukharan, Jamaica's human capital, economic know-how, strong diaspora, resilience fund and CRIFF agreement will help the recovery. Questions remain, of course, as to how to mitigate climate events of this nature in the future and how to reform the nature of international aid donations. 

Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. 

• Twitter: @latinnewslondon
• LinkedIn: Latin American Newsletters
• Facebook: @latinnews1967

For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.