Imperialism Ain't What It Used to Be: Cuba, Venezuela, and the Return of the Colonial State w/ Andrew Smolski

Imperialism Ain't What It Used to Be: Cuba, Venezuela, and the Return of the Colonial State w/ Andrew Smolski

Author: Alexander Scott September 19, 2026 Duration: 1:29:12

Andrew Smolski returns to the podcast to continue ouron going conversation on US imperialism and Cuba, recorded September 11, 2026. We discuss labor and neoliberalization in Mexico, the Cuban economy from the Special Period to the present, the new sanctions on Cuba and the US oil agreement with Venezuela, and the return of a nineteenth-century colonial politics in the hemisphere.

Andrew Smolski is an assistant professor of rural sociology in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at the Pennsylvania State University and a coordinating editor of Latin American Perspectives. His research examines imperialism, development, and agrarian change in Cuba and Mexico. 

Links

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In the space where academic rigor meets urgent political conversation, you'll find Latin American Perspectives. Hosted by Alexander Scott, this podcast extends the vital legacy of its namesake journal, a cornerstone of Latin American Studies for over four decades. It is a forum dedicated to untangling the complex social and economic forces that define the region. Each episode delves into discussions on capitalism's evolving structures, the enduring impacts of imperialism, and the practical realities of socialist movements across the Americas. The analysis is progressive, deeply researched, and grounded in the belief that understanding these systems is crucial for grasping contemporary realities. Listeners will encounter thoughtful debates and critical insights drawn from a tradition of scholarly activism. The podcast itself is produced as two distinct series: the main Latin American Perspectives episodes and the curated selections of Editors' Choice, together offering a multifaceted auditory journey into the political heart of the hemisphere. It’s for anyone who believes that the most compelling stories are those that examine power, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for equity. Tune in for a podcast that treats sound as a medium for serious, engaging scholarship and necessary dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 32

Latin American Perspectives
Podcast Episodes
US Imperialism and Cuban Development w/ Andrew Smolski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:36
Alexander Scott speaks with rural sociologist Andrew Smolski about U.S. imperialism and the long history of empire in Cuban development. Drawing on Smolski's archival research and his work on Cuban agriculture, the conve…
U.S. Imperialism Enters a New Stage w/ Steve Ellner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:41
In this episode of the Latin American Perspectives Podcast, Alexander Scott speaks with historian and political scientist Steve Ellner about the changing nature of U.S. imperialism and the escalating political crisis in…