35 West

On February 1, Costa Rica held elections to determine its next president. The vote ushered in a new political phase amid economic pressures, public dissatisfaction with traditional parties, and growing regional security challenges. The outcome of these elections carries implications not only for Costa Rica’s domestic governance, but also for democratic trends throughout Central America, regional economic cooperation, and bilateral relations with the United States. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Kevin Casas, the Secretary General of International IDEA, former Vice President of Costa Rica and an expert on democratic governance, political institutions, and international affairs. Together, the two discuss the election results, President-elect Laura Fernández' agenda for governance, and what the election means for Costa Rica's regional relations. They also delve into some of the key issues Fernández will face in office, ranging from economic growth priorities, to rising concerns over crime and violence, to relations with the Trump administration in the United States.

This episode of 35 West originally aired on February 23, 2024. As the war in Ukraine passes four years of high-intensity fighting, Latin American foreign fighters are playing an increasingly key role. Recent estimates suggest that as many as 7,000 Colombians are fighting on behalf of Ukraine, while thousands of Cubans are present in Russia's ranks. Within this context, CSIS is re-releasing this special episode of 35 West. In this Best of 35 West episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, sat down with Elizabeth M.F. Grasmeder, Adjunct Professor of National Security Policy with Duke University, and Andrei Serbin Pont, Executive Director of CRIES-LAC, for a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) about the role of foreign fighters from LAC on both sides in Ukraine. Together, they unpacked the motivations of fighters for joining both Ukraine and Russia, why Moscow and Kyiv have turned to recruiting foreign fighters, and the broader implications of war in Ukraine for Latin American countries.

This episode of 35 West originally aired on January 12, 2024. En esta edición especial en español, Christopher Hernández-Roy, Director Adjunto y Senior Fellow del Programa sobre las Américas, conversa con Yaxys Cires, Director de Estrategia del Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos sobre los resultados del último Examen Periódico Universal de Cuba del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas.  Analizan la dicotomía entre la retórica gubernamental y la triste realidad de los derechos humanos en Cuba así como la profunda crisis económica que atraviesa la isla y cómo el régimen de Díaz-Canel ha respondido a estas presiones. In this special Spanish-language episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow with the Americas Program, sits down with Yaxys Cires, Director of Strategy at the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights to discuss the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Cuba.  They discuss the dichotomy between the government’s rhetoric and the sad reality of Cuba's human rights record. They also discuss the mounting economic crisis facing the island and how the Díaz-Canel government has responded to these pressures.

Mexico has experienced record levels of foreign direct investment in recent years, as the drive for supply chain security has created a boom in interest in Mexico’s manufacturing sector. Yet, when measured overall, investment is down in Mexico. Two issues stand out as driving investment decline: uncertainty around fiscal governance and tax regulation enforcement. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Denise Dresser, Senior Associate with the Americas Program at CSIS and professor of political science at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM). Together they discuss how changes to Mexico's regulatory, and particularly tax environment are undermining investor confidence and contributing to broader concerns related to the upcoming 2026 Joint Review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. They also explore the ways in which tax policy intersects with the issues Mexico faces over judicial independence, insecurity, and diplomatic tensions with both the United States and Canada.

Separatism has been a recurring but minority political current in the Canadian province of Alberta. It tends to surge during periods of high federal–provincial tension, especially when federal policies are seen as constraining Alberta’s energy sector, such as carbon pricing, environmental regulations, or pipeline approvals. Recent political developments in Canada and certain phenomena that parts of Canada share with the United States, have breathed some new life into this movement. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Randy Boissonnault, a former Member of Canada’s Parliament representing Edmonton Centre, Alberta’s capital. Together they delve into the history of Alberta Separatism and the recent factors that have seen the movement capture national attention both in Canada and the United States.

In December 1989, the U.S. military intervened in Panama to depose dictator Manuel Noriega. Known as Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama has resurfaced in public discourse as observers draw parallels between it and the large build-up of U.S. forces  off the coast of Venezuela. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, U.S. Ambassador to the OAS from 1989 to 1993 and later former Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States. Together they unpack both the similarities and distinctions between Panama and Venezuela . They also assess the challenges inherent in any democratic transition and lessons learned from Panama's history. The episode was recorded on December 22, 2025, two weeks before Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Venezuelan Disctator Nicolas Maduro, yet it still contains valuable insights into what may happen next in Venezuela.

Last week, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado embarked on a daring journey from Venezuela to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Price. Traveling in disguise, evading military checkpoints, and enduring rough seas, she arrived late in Oslo but nevertheless appeared on the balcony of the Grand Hotel around 2:30 am to address an assembled crowd. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Alexandra Winkler, Senior Associate with the CSIS Americas Program. Together, they discuss Alex's experience in Norway from the Nobel ceremony to the appearance of María Corina Machado, and what her journey meant for Venezuelans around the world. They also discuss the future of the opposition, and what comes next in the fight for democracy within Venezuela.

On October 19, Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira won the presidency in Bolivia, bringing an end to the rule of the Movimiento al Socialismo, or MAS party which had long dominated the country's politics. While the MAS defeat captured headlines, President-elect Pereira faces a difficult path ahead, facing major economic as well as security challenges. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Eduardo Gamarra, Professor of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. Together, they discuss Pereira's path to the presidency, the economic state of Bolivia, and the evolution of the country's challenges with organized crime and narcotrafficking. They also analyze the future of Bolivia-U.S. relations which have shown signs of warming under the new government.

The United States has dramatically escalated its use of force against drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere, many of whom have also been designated as terrorist entities by the Trump administration. At a basic level, this signals a shift in U.S. national security priorities, but it also opens a host of political, legal, and practical questions about the role of military force in the fight against organized crime. In this episode, Rubi Bledsoe sits down with Aileen Teague, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Together they discuss her recent book, Policing on Drugs: The United States, Mexico, and the Origins of the Modern Drug War, 1969-2000. They also delve into recent U.S. interventions against drug trafficking organizations and where U.S. security policy might evolve from here. Use Discount Code: AUFLY30 for 30 percent off on the book.

Canada and Mexico are not only the United States’ top trading partners – they are also indispensable players in North American supply chains, but have historically, approached Washington separately, preferring bilateral negotiations. Yet, as trade tensions rise with the Trump Administration’s tariffs intended to reshore manufacturing to the United States, raising questions about competitiveness, supply chains and the resilience of trilateral relations in the region, both Canada and Mexico appear to be discovering common ground, reshaping political calculations and opening new avenues for cooperation. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Graeme Clark, former Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, Peru, Bolivia and the OAS. Together, they discuss the history of Canada-Mexico relations, the tensions that have put the relationship under pressure, and windows for potential collaboration.

China’s presence in Mexico has grown dramatically over the past two decades. While Chinese investment across Latin America has been commodity-driven, in Mexico the story is different. Chinese firms are embedding themselves in manufacturing supply chains, wholesale trade, telecommunications, and real estate – with over 800 companies active in Mexico as of 2025. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Heidi Jane Smith, professor of economics at La Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Together, they unpack Beijing's strategy for engagement with Mexico, and the data behind China's investments. They also explore how the U.S.-Mexico relationship has been impacted by the latter's dealings with China, and likely pathways forward.

For decades, educational exchanges have served as a cornerstone of U.S. soft power, aimed at promoting goodwill, cross-cultural understanding, and enduring regional partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean. Each year, more than 80,000 students from the region pursue studies in the United States and more than 30,000 Americans study abroad in the region. In this episode, Juliana Rubio sits down with Gerardo Blanco, associate professor of Higher Education and Academic Director of the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College. Together, they discuss the benefits of educational exchange for the United States and Latin American countries, including the relevance of these exchanges for soft power and diplomatic competition. They also explore how recent tensions around immigration have spilled over into the educational realm, and how the United States, alongside its regional partners, can move forward in this environment.

Seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean recognize Taiwan in lieu of the People’s Republic of China, the most of any other region in the world. However, the number of formal Taiwan allies has been in steady decline, particularly since 2017 when Panama changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing and joined the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, Taiwan’s status among its remaining allies appears to be under increasing pressure. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Henry Large, a Rhodes Scholar and Doctoral candidate in Latin American Studies at the University of Oxford. Together, they discuss the history behind Panama's 2017 switch, the state of Taiwan's relationships with the region today, and why diplomatic allies matter for Taipei. They also discuss how the United States, which itself does not formally recognize Taiwan, can be a better partner in promoting ties with the region.

Since its founding in 1948, the Organization of American States (OAS) has served as the premier forum for advancing regional priorities facing the Western Hemisphere, becoming the oldest and only multilateral institution that provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation to all countries in the hemisphere. On March 10 of this year, the OAS member states elected Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s former Foreign Minister, as the organization’s new Secretary General, becoming the first Caribbean representative to head the organization in its history.   In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with His Excellency Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the OAS. Together they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the OAS today, the Secretary General's vision for leadership, and plans for the organization. They also delve into the role of the OAS in Haiti, and how the organization can play a role in helping to stabilize the country's compounding crises.

This June, Mexico held its first-ever nationwide judicial elections to determine the justices who would serve at the state and local levels throughout the country, and even on the Supreme Court itself. In an overall confusing affair, the vote drew just 13 percent turnout, while nearly a quarter of the few ballots that were cast were spoiled or left blank. But the chaos of the election is likely only a prelude, as the victors begin to take office a major shakeup in Mexico’s legal system is on the horizon.  In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Arturo Sarukhan, Senior Advisor with the CSIS Americas Program and Javier Martín Reyes, Nonresident Scholar at the Center for the United States and Mexico at the Baker Institute and a Researcher at the Legal Research Institute at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Together, the three discuss the state of institutional checks and balances in Mexico, future challenges to rule of law, and the options for companies to deal with an increasingly politicized judicial system. They also explore how direct election of judges may create new avenues for co-optation by organized crime.

This episode of 35 West originally aired on October 17, 2024. Since the blatant electoral fraud that took place on July 28, the Maduro regime in Venezuela has sought to repress its way out of mass protests demanding political change. The regime’s heavy-handed crackdown comes at a time when the International Criminal Court has already been investigating Venezuela for alleged crimes against humanity. As the regime seeks to silence dissent and close the civic space, this pending case may represent one of the few remaining levers the international community can apply to instill restraint, but only if such an approach is carefully considered. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Santiago Canton, Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurists and a member of the Panel of Independent International Experts on the Possible Commission of Crimes against Humanity in Venezuela of the Organization of American States. Together, they discuss the state of the ICC's investigation and how it is likely to develop in light of the abuses the regime has committed in the past three months. They also delve into the debate around whether the ICC case represents an impediment to political change, or if it remains a useful means of applying pressure on the regime.

Argentina is a country that has historically been relatively insulated from organized crime dynamics, but the country has seen continued organized crime activity in important cities such as Rosario. One year into Javier Milei’s first term, security has improved with decreasing homicide rates, however challenges remain especially as transnational groups seek to continue expanding their presence in Argentina.  In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Martin Verrier, Secretary for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in Argentina. Together, they discuss the ways in which Argentina is seeking to disrupt transnational criminal groups operating in its territory, as well as improve cooperation with regional partners. They also delve into the state of Argentina-U.S. cooperation, and avenues for further progress in combatting crime and drug trafficking.

In the past month or so, President Nayib Bukele’s government has sharply intensified its repression of civil society and independent voices in El Salvador.  Journalists have been forced into exile, civil society organizations are being weakened by a new Foreign Agents Law, and former officials, activists, and NGO workers are being jailed on dubious charges. These developments mark a new phase in Bukele’s crackdown—one that relies not only on emergency powers but increasingly on legal and financial tools to silence dissent.  In this episode, Juliana Rubio sits down with Leonor Arteaga Rubio, Program Director at the Due Process of Law Foundation. Together, they discuss what recent arrests and crackdowns in El Salvador mean for the remaining checks on government power. They also explore how civil society has adapted in order to continue raising alarms about corruption and abuse of power.

As a NATO and NORAD member, Canada plays a crucial role in North American continental defense. With the United States now pursuing an expanded continental missile defense posture dubbed the Golden Dome, the Canada-U.S. relationship may be entering a new phase. While the Golden Dome could prove beneficial in advancing Canada’s security strategy, it remains unclear what Canada’s involvement would actually look like, how much protection it would receive under the Golden Dome, and to what extent President Trump’s annexation rhetoric will undermine the Canadian public’s willingness to entertain the missile defense initiative. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Phillippe Lagassé, Associate Professor with the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Together they discuss Canada's historical position on continental missile defense, changes to the threat landscape faced by Canada, and how the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney is approaching defense modernization priorities. They also discuss the effect of ongoing U.S.-Canada tensions on the likelihood that Canada will move forward with participation in the Golden Dome.

With the Indo-Pacific an increasingly volatile region, successive U.S. administrations have sought to shift semiconductor manufacturing back to the Western Hemisphere in general and United States in particular. However, a push to shift the balance of semiconductor production away from Asia also creates opportunities for Mexico, which could be well-positioned to complement the United States’ industrial policy as well as grow its own microelectronics industry. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Jesús Silva Elizalde, Associate Director of ITSI Program Operations at Arizona State University and a Research Fellow with the U.S.-Mexico Foundation. Together, they discuss the state of U.S.-Mexico semiconductor cooperation, and Mexico's strategy to further develop its chips industry. They also unpack the ways in which tensions between the two countries risk undermining the potential for increased semiconductor supply chain security, and what the Sheinbaum and Trump administrations can do moving forward.