Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?

Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?

Author: Global Dispatches June 25, 2026 Duration: 26:49

Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is an unusual politician. For one, he has never held elected office and does not represent a traditional political party. Rather, he built a career as a criminal defense attorney, including in Miami, where he represented high-powered clients facing corruption allegations. He also became a familiar presence in Trump circles, with appearances at Trump properties, and holds American and Italian passports. Trump personally endorsed de la Espriella, seeking a new ally in Bogotá.

De la Espriella's populist message resonated with Colombians, who narrowly elected him on Sunday. So what does the sudden emergence of this new political force mean for Colombia's long struggle with armed violence? How does this election fit into a broader pattern of right-wing victories in the region? And can Colombia's landmark 2016 peace agreement with the FARC hold?

I discuss all these questions, and more, with the International Crisis Group's Deputy Director for Latin America, Elizabeth Dickinson, who spoke with me from Bogotá.

This conversation is truly an expert briefing. You'll learn how de la Espriella rose so quickly, why his victory marks such a sharp break from Colombia's recent political trajectory, and what his presidency may mean for the future of peace, security, and democracy in one of Latin America's most consequential countries.


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
What Cuba's Doctors Reveal About U.S. Policy Toward Havana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:50
For decades, Cuba has deployed doctors on medical missions around the world, often to places where skilled health workers are badly needed. These missions have a genuine humanitarian component—but they also generate bill…
Helen Clark on Whether the World Is Ready for the Next Pandemic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
The world promised to be better prepared for the next pandemic. But has it followed through? Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who co-chairs the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, join…
Russia's War Economy Is Starting to Crack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:48
Russia's economy once seemed remarkably resilient in the face of international sanctions. But in recent months, a growing number of indicators suggest that Russia's war economy is coming under strains not seen since the…
How the Civil War in Myanmar Became the Deadliest Conflict in Asia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:12
The civil war in Myanmar recently passed a grim milestone. According to the conflict-monitoring NGO ACLED, an estimated 100,000 people have been killed since the war broke out in 2021. Seventy percent of them were civili…
Josh Rogin on Iran, NATO, and the Latest in Trump Foreign Policy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:09
It was a pleasure to welcome The Washington Post's Josh Rogin for a wide-ranging discussion of the foreign policy topics du jour — from Iran and NATO to Syria, Ukraine, and the latest moves from the Trump administration.…