Latin America in the Spotlight in 2026

Latin America in the Spotlight in 2026

Author: AS/COA Online, Council of the Americas, Americas Society, Carin Zissis December 18, 2025 Duration: 32:13
From the Donroe Doctrine to tariff turmoil a rightward electoral tilt, 2025 was a year of shifts for Latin America. Now, with Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti, and Peru gearing up for presidential votes in 2026, more change is on the way. To make sense of what's to come, this episode of Latin America in focus brings back four of our prior guests from across the region: Venezuelan journalist and political scientist Tony Frangie Mawad, Mexican international affairs expert Brenda Estefan, Brazilian journalist and political analyst Thomas Traumann, and Latino and hemispheric digital democracy expert Roberta Braga. Then, in conversation with host Carin Zissis, the OAS’ director of electoral monitoring, Gerardo de Icaza, draws on over a decade of experience overseeing missions in 27 countries to explain the evolving challenges on the ground for election observers, from being victims of increasing political polarization to finding practical ways to leverage artificial intelligence for stronger election processes—as well as what it all means for democracy in the region.

Latin America in Focus is a production of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas, offering a nuanced look at the forces shaping the region. This podcast moves beyond headlines to explore the interconnected stories of policy, markets, and societal change. Each episode features conversations with policymakers, analysts, and on-the-ground experts, providing context to complex issues like trade agreements, electoral shifts, and cultural movements. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of the business climate, investment opportunities, and the political dynamics influencing daily life from Mexico to Argentina. The discussion is grounded in research and a deep network of regional knowledge, aiming to connect global audiences to the pivotal trends redefining Latin America. Whether examining a new regulatory framework, the impact of a social movement, or the economic prospects of a specific industry, the analysis is both rigorous and accessible. Tune in for a thoughtful and forward-looking perspective that treats the region not as a monolith, but as a diverse collection of nations each with its own narrative. This podcast serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their comprehension of a rapidly evolving part of the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Latin America in Focus
Podcast Episodes
On the Ground and Online: Venezuela's Electoral Battle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
Since he came to power 11 years ago, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has been stacking the decks in his political favor. But will he hit a wall in the July 28 election? The regime disqualified popular rival candidate Maria Co…
How Can Latin America Fix Its Water Crisis? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
Latin America, the biggest source of freshwater in the world, is running dry. Amid record-breaking temperatures, 150 million people live in water-scarce areas and water insecurity is becoming a new normal for many. But s…
In Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Won Big. Now What? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
Claudia Sheinbaum and her Morena party won Mexico’s June 2 election by a landslide, and that means the country’s first woman president is set to have a huge mandate. What will she do with it? On the ground in Mexico City…
How Latin America Fits into the Biden-Trump Battle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
Buckle up: U.S. politics are headed for a bumpy ride. And the issue of migration, particularly at the U.S. Southern border, will significantly influence this year’s elections. In this episode, AS/COA Vice President Eric…
How the Dominican Republic Breaks Latin America’s Election Mold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:01
The Dominican Republic’s Luis Abinader is one of the most popular leaders in Latin America, if not the world, so it may come as little surprise that Abinader appears to be on comfortable footing to win in the first round…
Is Latin America Ready for Another Pandemic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:53
An old adversary of Latin America is back: Dengue. The current outbreak of the mosquito-transmitted disease is the worst in years. Across the region, from Argentina to Brazil to Puerto Rico, images of hospitals filled wi…
What's on the Economic Agenda for Panama's Next President? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:45
Panama is facing a moment of uncertainty amid an electoral race with eight candidates, droughts affecting the Panama Canal, and fallout over massive 2023 mining protests. But Felipe Chapman, chairman and managing partner…
Brian A. Nichols on the Biden Administration's Latin America Policy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
Just hours before Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere Brian A. Nichols joined AS/COA in an event covering the state of U.S. policy in the Americas…