Latin America in Focus

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 of the country’s presidential vote on May 19. But then again, the country’s political climate differs from that of the rest of Latin America in that presidents tend to be popular, elections don’t usually go to runoffs, and polarization levels remain low. In this episode, Temple University Professor Emeritus Rosario Espinal talks with AS/COA Online’s Carin Zissis, providing a larger context to this Dominican electoral cycle.This is the fourth episode in our 2024 election series. Prior episodes covered the economic agenda for Panama’s next president, the youth vote in Mexico, and Nayib Bukele’s global reach. Get this content and more electoral insight in this year guide at www.as-coa.org/2024. Access a poll tracker for the Dominican presidential race.We will host President Abinader at the 54th Washington Conference on the Americas. Learn more about the May 8, 2024 event: https://www.as-coa.org/wca2024Read an Americas Quarterly profile of the president: https://americasquarterly.org/article/the-rare-popular-incumbent/Jon Orbach produced this episode. Maria Despradel contributed reporting. Carin Zissis is the host. Get other episodes of Latin America in Focus at www.as-coa.org/podcast and send us feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.orgThe music in this podcast is "Pacholí” performed by Pedro Martínez for Americas Society. Watch the full performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIwKjvpkzN8Find out about upcoming concerts at: www.musicoftheamericas.orgOpinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members. Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

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 with patients are coming into view. Four years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, how well-equipped is the region to tackle this one—or those to follow? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mariangela Simão, the head of the Brazilian Instituto Todos pela Saude and formerly of the WHO. In a conversation with AS/COA Online’s Chase Harrison, she covers the outbreak, the strengths and liabilities Latin America has in battling pandemics, and what advice she’d give Brazil’s president. Learn about AS/COA’s Healthcare Series: https://www.as-coa.org/healthcareVisit www.as-coa.org/podcast to subscribe at your preferred platform and so you don’t miss future episodes. Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via X at @ASCOA. The music in this podcast is performed by Bobby Sanabria and the Multiverse Big Band for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.orgOpinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.  Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

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 of economic and financial advisory firm INDESA, remains optimistic about his country’s future. In a conversation with AS/COA Vice President Randy Melzi, he says Panama’s challenges are “fixable” as he outlines the economic agenda for the next administration.This is the third episode in our monthly series on 2024 elections in Latin America. Listen to the first episode on Nayib Bukele’s global reach and the second episode on Mexico’s youth vote. See our Panama election poll tracker at: www.as-coa.org/panama-pollsGet election coverage in our guide at: www.as-coa.org/2024Visit www.as-coa.org/podcast to subscribe at your preferred platform and so you don’t miss future episodes. Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via X at @ASCOA.The music in this podcast is "Cadenza con pajarillo,”  performed by Eddy Marcano & Trío Acústico for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.orgOpinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members. Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

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. In a conversation with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth, Ambassador Nichols laid out the administration’s positions on regional quagmires, such as Haiti’s humanitarian and political crises and the fairness of Venezuela’s July elections. But he also delved into opportunities in the region like partnering on critical minerals and renewable energy with Argentina or deepening already strong economic ties with Mexico. What will Washington do if the Maduro regime doesn’t allow opposition candidate María Corina Machado to run? How will Mexico’s election affect the bilateral relationship? All this and more are covered in this episode.Watch the video of this event: https://www.as-coa.org/BrianNichols2024Visit www.as-coa.org/podcast to subscribe at your preferred platform and so you don’t miss future episodes. Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via X at @ASCOA.The music in this podcast is Arrecife Urbano, performed by Cuarteto de Guitarras de Costa Rica for Americas Society. Watch the performance: https://youtu.be/jUHzWiavG1o?si=0gUQiE_jmUjeNZ8g Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.orgOpinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members. Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

In Mexico’s 2024 vote, more than a quarter of eligible voters are under 30 and nearly half are under 40. That means younger voters have an opportunity to play a major role in an election not only for president, but one that will see more than 20,000 seats up for grabs. But they have to participate if they want to have an impact. Me Veo, an organization focused on getting out the vote in this election, is seeking to do just that. Its director, Alexandra Zapata, joined the podcast to spells out ways to get Mexico’s young voters engaged. And in the opening segment, Professor Noam Lupu of Vanderbilt University’s LAPOP Lab explains the latest AmericasBarometer report, which shows Latin America’s young voters may be more committed to democracy than previously thought.  Access the 2023 AmericasBarometer report: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/lapop/ This is the second episode in our monthly series on 2024 elections in Latin America. Listen to the first episode on El Salvador’s expat votes and Nayib Bukele’s reach: http://t.ly/H0Lnd  Get more election coverage in our guide at: www.as-coa.org/2024  See our Mexico election poll tracker at: http://t.ly/NPtozVisit www.as-coa.org/podcast to subscribe at your preferred platform and so you don’t miss future episodes.Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via X at @ASCOA.  The music in this podcast was performed by Ernest Ranglin at Americas Society. Watch the performance: t.ly/9wmDJ  Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.org  Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.   Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

When it comes to corruption perceptions, Latin America is stagnating. And what’s one major obstacle to improvement? Judiciary independence, explains Transparency International’s Luciana Torchiaro. In this episode, she dives deep into how the region fared in her organization’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index, released in January 2024, and tells AS/COA Online’s Luisa Leme why attempts to weaken the judiciaries in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Honduras are hindering the battle against corruption. But the news isn’t all bad. She explains how steps taken in the Dominican Republic serve as a model, and why Chile has an opportunity to restore its standing as a regional transparency leader.Access the Transparency International 2023 report: http://t.ly/nvrSPRead Luciana Torchiaro’s analysis on the challenges to independent judiciaries in Latin America: http://t.ly/1Q3ZWAS/COA also monitors corruption progress in Latin America. See our 2023 Capacity to Combat Corruption Index, published in partnership with Control Risks: https://www.as-coa.org/CCC2023The music in this episode is “Compay” by Ártemis Duo. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRxcjm2Sia4 Find out about upcoming concerts at: www.musicoftheamericas.orgCheck out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

2024 will be a big year for Latin American elections, and the first one takes place in El Salvador. Popular President Nayib Bukele is likely to win a race that showcases his regional—and global—influence. Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas’ Roberta Braga explains how Bukele’s social media strategy spreads beyond El Salvador’s borders and calls for a rethink of how online disinformation. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Michael Paarlberg delves into how that message is being received in the large Salvadoran diaspora, which is expected to vote in record numbers this year.This episode will be the first in a series exploring the year’s elections and the forces shaping them. Catch the series and learn about 2024 elections via our guide at: www.as-coa.org/2024Read our Explainer: El Salvador's 2024 Presidential and Legislative ElectionsThis podcast was produced by Executive Producer Luisa Leme with support from Jon Orbach. Carin Zissis is the host.The music in this podcast is “Receitas de Samba” by C4 Trio and  was recorded for Americas Society.Access other episodes of Latin America in Focus at: www.as-coa.org/podcast  Send us feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.orgShare and subscribe at Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.  Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

2024 doesn’t just mark Mexico’s biggest elections ever, but the tenth anniversary since Morena, the party of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, became an official party. And it now faces a test: will it build on its expanding control or find itself reined in by Mexican voters in June 2024? In this episode, long-time pollster Lorena Becerra and CIDE political scientist Javier Aparicio cover whether Morena could become a hegemonic party akin to the PRI, the challenges for López Obrador’s chosen successor Claudia Sheinbaum and the opposition’s Xóchitl Gálvez, and where Mexico sits in Latin America’s anti-incumbency arc. “Morena’s Achilles’ heel is for them to become part of the old party system at some point,” Becerra tells AS/COA Online’s Carin Zissis. “And that can happen if they don't prove to be different.”This podcast was produced by Executive Producer Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host.AS/COA Online will be covering Mexico’s elections. Get regular updates at: www.as-coa.org/mexicoelects2024Check out our poll tracker at: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-contenders-mexicos-2024-presidential-voteLearn about other 2024 elections in our guide at: www.as-coa.org/2024This podcast was produced by Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host.The music in this podcast was recorded for Americas Society and includes: “La danza del camalote” by José Caro, https://bit.ly/3GIzaYa as well as "Cheni" and "Nostalgia" by La Bruja de Texcoco. https://bit.ly/48fEkX7 Access other episodes of Latin America in Focus at: www.as-coa.org/podcast Send us feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org Share and subscribe at Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.   Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Earlier this year, Latin American literature lost a champion when Edith Grossman, one of the foremost Spanish language translators, passed away. Grossman not only translated some of the region's master writers, but she advocated for her profession and for the value of reading in translation. In this episode, two acclaimed translators, Megan McDowell and Esther Allen, speak about her legacy, the titles grabbing attention in the United States, the role of women authors in a current Latin American boom, and the connection between books in translation and events in the region today.  Below is a list of authors and titles available in English mentioned in this podcast:Why Translation Matters, by Edith GrossmanThe Silentiary, by Antonio di Benedetto, translated from Spanish by Esther Allen, introduction by Juan José SaerZama, by Antonio di Benedetto, translated from Spanish by Esther AllenThe Dangers of Smoking in Bed, by Mariana Enríquez, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowellThe Words That Remain, by Stênio Gardel, translated from Portuguese by Bruna Dantas Lobato; Winner, National Book Awards 2023 for Translated LiteratureSeven Empty Houses, by Samanta Schweblin, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell; Winner, National Book Awards 2022 for Translated LiteratureWays of Going Home, by Alejandro Zambra, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowellThe music in this episode was performed for Americas Society and includes:“Fiesta Manka,” performed by Dario Acosta Teich & Eleanor Dubinsky. https://bit.ly/3uNqRas  “Editus and "Danzón," performed by Ricardo Ramírez and Edín Solís. https://bit.ly/46CvLo4  "Isla," performed by Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna https://bit.ly/3T5QJc2Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.org  This episode was produced by Chase Harrison and Executive Producer Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host.  Learn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org  Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.  Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

On October 29, Colombians voted for mayors and governors across the country, and President Gustavo Petro’s candidates fared poorly in an election that many say served as a referendum on his leadership. Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis, talks with AS/COA Online’s Jon Orbach about what we can learn from mayoral races in Bogotá and Medellín, how the overall results provide a window into the mood in Colombia, and why Washington should pay attention to the country’s domestic politics. This podcast was produced by Jon Orbach. Carin Zissis is the host. Luisa Leme is the executive producer. Learn more about this year’s Latin American elections at: www.as-coa.org/2023The music in this episode is “Gentil Montaña” performed by the Fabian Forero Trio. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/OsE9ENAq12Y?si=9B4TStMwJNPf3aK1 Find out about upcoming concerts at: www.musicoftheamericas.orgCheck out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.orgOpinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members. Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

October was a busy month for Venezuela. The United States eased sanctions on the country’s oil sector, the opposition and the Maduro regime sketched out an electoral roadmap, and María Corina Machado triumphed in the opposition primary. What does all this mean for the country’s energy sector? "I estimate that instead of getting half a billion dollars per month, they will be getting closer to a billion dollars per month. So, it's a very important amount of money that Maduro could use to improve his electoral chances by spending money for electoral purposes," says Francisco Monaldi, a fellow and the director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute. He spoke with AS/COA Venezuela Working Group Director Guillermo Zubillaga about the outlook for the sector and Venezuela's 2024 elections. This podcast was produced by Jon Orbach. Carin Zissis is the host. Luisa Leme is the executive producer.Listen to an Americas Quarterly’s interview with the White House’s Juan Gonzalez that is mentioned in the episode: t.ly/foX6fThe music in this episode is “Pasa Mi Padre” performed by Jorge Torres. Watch the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgJUwTOsK1wFind out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.orgCheck out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

As the world falters in its 2015 Paris Agreement goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Brazil is helping turn the tide. As the country’s Senate approved a bill that would regulate companies releasing more than 10,000 tons of CO2 per year, it looks to start making a profit on emissions too. In this episode, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro’s Emilio La Rovere talks to Luisa Leme about the benefits of putting a price on emissions, Brazil’s comparative advantage, and why Latin America needs to work with industrialized countries to get the world closer to a net-zero economy.The music in this episode is "Samba do lago" performed by Diego Salvetti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPAmkg-VTtQ Find out about upcoming concerts at musicoftheamericas.org. https://www.as-coa.org/musicThis podcast was produced by Luisa Leme and Jon Orbach. Carin Zissis is the host. Check out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: https://www.as-coa.org/podcast  We’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org   Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Argentines face a three-horse race when they vote for a president on October 22. Each contender has distinct ideas for resolving the country’s economic and security woes. One of those candidates— libertarian Congressman Javier Milei—has brought back the idea of dollarizing the country’s economy. Are voters open to the idea? In this episode, Reuters Correspondent Anna-Catherine Brigida speaks from Buenos Aires about how each candidate is pitching themselves to voters and the interplay between their supporters. “There is a break from some of the traditional parties and left-right,” she told Chase Harrison.Learn about Argentina’s 2023 vote with our election guide at: www.as-coa.org/2023  Check our Argentina poll tracker at: as-coa.org/ARGpolls    The music in this podcast was performed by Alejandro Brittes Baroque Ensemble for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at musicoftheamericas.org. Watch the performance for Americas Society. This podcast was produced by Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host. Check out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org  Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

With Mexico’s two main political alliances selecting Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez as their 2024 contenders, it’s looking likely that the country’s next president will be a woman. But already in Mexico, women hold a range of top political seats and have achieved gender parity in Congress. In this episode, Mónica Tapia talks with Carin Zissis about the history of how Mexican women carved a path to rising political representation, the role of a resurgent women’s movement, and the two women competing for the presidency. Tapia—co-founder of Aúna, an accelerator that helps women gain political roles across Mexico—also explains the next steps, saying: “What needs to happen is that women not only become governor or president, but that they really have their power.”Learn about Mexico’s elections at: www.as-coa.org/2024Find out about AS/COA’s Women’s Hemispheric Network at: www.as-coa.org/womenThe music in this episode was performed by La Bruja de Texcoco at Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.orgThis podcast was produced by Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host. Check out other episodes and subscribe to Latin America in Focus on your preferred platform via: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org  Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Artificial intelligence may spark job loss fears across the Americas, but businesses and people in the region are increasingly adopting the technology. Ángel Melguizo, partner at Argia and Latin America advisor to UNESCO on ethics and AI, outlined what countries need to do to benefit from the AI revolution without leaving people behind. He also covers the urgent need for a “coalition of the good” in terms of AI regulation, and where Latin America stands on the matter.Learn more about the AS/COA Tech Series: www.as-coa.org/tech  Hear our previous episode with Melguizo about the China Belt and Road initiative.https://bit.ly/3KvWjPVThe music in this episode is "Thakita” by Ganesh Anandan, performed by Alejandro Escuer and Felipe Perez Santiago for Americas Society. Learn more about upcoming concerts: musicoftheamericas.org This episode was produced by Executive Producer Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host. Learn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcast  Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via Twitter: @ASCOA   Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

The second half of 2023 will see Spain take over several EU leadership posts, and Madrid has pledged to deepen its  focus on EU-Latin American relations. Could this lead to aflourishing regional relations? Ahead of the EU-CELAC summit in July, author Michael Reid explained the roadblocks to trans-Atlantic integration. From Ukraine to a Mercosur-EU free trade agreement to Venezuela, Reid explains how a lack of a unified Latin American front affects  its relationship with Europe and beyond.The music in this podcast is “La pollera colorá” by Carlota Santana for Americas Society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slc6K5cE44oLearn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcastSend us feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

In a world struggling with geopolitical uncertainty, how can North America offer a secure environment and economic stability? In this episode, conducted in collaboration with the U.S.-Mexico Foundation (USMF), we explore the answer to this question and more. USMF Managing Director Enrique Perret interviews AS/COA’s Susan Segal about how Canada, Mexico, and the United States can build on 30 years of free-trade ties to drive exponential trade growth. The conversation emphasizes the need to eliminate North American barriers to labor mobility, how the 2026 World Cup gives the region the chance to amplify cultural relations, and how 2024 elections in both the United States and Mexico offer a chance to reframe the discussion around bilateral ties.Susan Segal is co-chair of USMF’s North Capital Forum this year, taking place in Mexico City in October 2023. Learn more: https://www.northcapitalforum.com/The music in the intro and outro of this podcast was recorded for Americas Society. For more about upcoming concerts, visit: www.musicoftheamericas.orgLearn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcast Send us feedback and comments at: latamfocus@as-coa.org       Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Guatemalans head to the polls June 25 with their country’s democracy at a crossroads. Despite nearly two dozen presidential candidates on the ballot, three key contenders were eliminated and dozens of the country’s corruption-battling prosecutors and journalists face exile or imprisonment. What does this mean for the election? What is the U.S.’s role? How do Guatemala’s youth see their country’s prospects? Veteran journalist Juan Luis Font, a radio anchor with ConCriterio covering his country’s politics in exile, talks with AS/COA’s Carin Zissis,Learn more about Guatemala’s elections.Poll tracker: t.ly/aBnKfAS/COA’s election explainer: t.ly/YW6gGuide to 2023 Latin American Elections: www.as-coa.org/2023 The music in this episode is "El arpómetro de Carlos," by P. Coulon and H. Martínez, performed by Ángel Tolosa for Americas Society. Learn more about upcoming concerts: musicoftheamericas.orgThis episode was produced by Executive Producer Luisa Leme and Associate Producer Jon Orbach. Carin Zissis is the host. Learn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcast Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via Twitter: @ASCOA Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Ecuador’s Guillermo Lasso chose to do something unprecedented on May 17, invoking a constitutional clause that dissolved the National Assembly and triggered a new set of elections for the executive and legislative branches. Now that he’s Lasso ruling by decree, what can Ecuadorans expect in this period of uncertainty? And who are the big players ahead of the upcoming election? Atrevia’s Quito-based Carmen Sánchez-Laulhé talks with AS/COA Online’s Chase Harrison about the road ahead as the Andean country heads into uncharted territory.The music in this episode is "Yumbo," by Gerardo Guevara, performed by Ensamble InConcerto for Americas Society. Watch the performance: https://youtu.be/S3Bqxo0hdwgFind out about upcoming concerts: musicoftheamericas.orgRead our recent coverage of Ecuador’s impeachment process https://tinyurl.com/27cwchvz and timeline of events: https://tinyurl.com/y45b4357Stay up on what might come next in our 2023 Election Guide: www.as-coa.org/2023This episode was produced by Jon Orbach. Luisa Leme is the executive producer. Carin Zissis is the host. Learn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcastSend us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org or via Twitter @ASCOA Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa 

Arthur Bispo do Rosario never intended to become an artist. But he’s now recognized as a pioneering force in Latin American art. After experiencing hallucinations at the age of 29, he was checked in to a psychiatric institution where he spent the rest of his life. While there, he heard voices that told him to recreate all existing materials on earth. It’s from this idea that Americas Society drew the name for its exhibition, Bispo do Rosario: All Existing Materials on Earth. In this episode, we hear a conversation with the four curators exploring Bispo’s life, art, influence, and first U.S. solo show.The show is open in New York City at Americas Society through May 20. See images, videos, and a pocket book about the exhibition at: www.as-coa.org/bispoThe music in this podcast was "Sexteto Místico" by Heitor Villa-Lobos, performed at Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at  musicoftheamericas.orgThe voice of Bispo do Rosario you hear in this episode comes from the documentary O Prisioneiro da Passagem, by Hugo Denizart. You can watch the film on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/8MzFTaOvsCQCheck out other episodes at: www.as-coa.org/podcastWe’d love your feedback! Write us at latamfocus@as-coa.org with comments, questions, and ideas. Follow us on social media:Twitter/X: @ASCOAInstagram: @ascoaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ascoa