From AI Memes to US Bombs: How the Colombian new right stormed the halls of power

From AI Memes to US Bombs: How the Colombian new right stormed the halls of power

Author: Joshua Collins August 10, 2026 Duration: 16:40

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in this week and took power in Colombia. In many ways, his victory represents the end of Uribismo, the right-wing ideology named after and led by Alvaro Uribe.

Despite their tepid support in the runoff, traditional power structures are turning away from de la Espriella, even if the electorate is not.

He forged a new coalition of evangelicals, traditional Catholics, business interests, and even made inroads into some poorer areas of the country which have leaned left in recent years.

Is this part of the “New Left”, popularized by leaders like Trump and Bolsonarro? We think there is room for comparison. But it also comes from Colombia’s adaptation of the culture wars, and online ultra-right spaces where extremist gender ideology and misogyny have forced their way into mainstream conversation.

“The Tigre” took all of that, threw in some ultra-nationalism, some AI videos, and rhetoric about security to storm the halls of power.

This week we spoke with longtime contributor Adriaan Alselma about exactly how it happened.

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Hosted by Joshua Collins, Pirate Wire Radio delivers original journalism focused on the complex realities of Latin America. This isn't a surface-level recap of headlines; it's a deep, narrative-driven exploration of the forces shaping the region. Each episode moves beyond the news cycle to connect political shifts and economic currents with the deeply human stories unfolding on the ground. You'll hear about crime, the drug trade, cultural movements, and societal changes, all presented through rigorous reporting and firsthand perspectives. The podcast aims to provide context often missing from mainstream coverage, weaving together analysis of current events with documentary-style storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the true texture of life and power across Latin America, from boardrooms and government palaces to street corners and rural communities, this show offers an essential, unvarnished listen. Tune in for a compelling and nuanced portrait of a dynamic part of the world, delivered directly through your preferred podcast app.
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