Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast

In episode 114 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth (broadcasting remotely) cover a week of diplomatic scandals, World Cup drama, and economic news.The episode opens with the explosive revelation that the FBI has donated the plane used to kidnap Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada to a museum — effectively admitting U.S. involvement in the operation after years of denials. The hosts break down how Ken Salazar, the former U.S. ambassador, lied repeatedly about the incident. They connect this to the broader pattern of U.S. hypocrisy: negotiating with cartels while accusing Mexico of doing the same, and violating sovereignty while demanding cooperation.Next, they turn to FIFA's corruption on full display during the World Cup. From Trump personally intervening to overturn a red card for the U.S. star player, to blatant calls that robbed Iran and Egypt, the hosts argue the tournament now has a massive asterisk. Yet they also highlight Mexico's stellar performance as a host — welcoming England fans, embracing the Iranian team, and earning praise from supporters' groups worldwide — in stark contrast to the U.S. government's xenophobic and petty behavior.The episode also examines Mexico's return to the top 10 for foreign direct investment, with $41 billion in 2025. While the hosts acknowledge the importance of capital inflows, they caution that FDI doesn't automatically translate into quality jobs or reduced inequality, and note the tension between attracting investment and the U.S. demands for a veto on Chinese trade in USMCA negotiations.Losers and Haters takes aim at Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann, who went on a xenophobic rant against Mexico. The hosts note his ties to Ricardo Salinas Pliego, the Mexican billionaire who wants to be president, and contrast his hateful rhetoric with the hospitality Mexico showed the world during the World Cup.

In episode 113 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth kick off with a celebration — Mexico has advanced past a knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and the country's hospitality has won hearts worldwide, especially with its embrace of the Iranian team. They argue this moment reveals Mexico's genuine sportsmanship and internationalist spirit, in stark contrast to the U.S. government's petty and xenophobic treatment of Iran.Next, they examine two new developments on the Mexican right: the registration of a new opposition party, "Somos México," and the PAN's latest relaunch. The hosts break down the recycled cast of characters behind Somos México — oligarchs, failed politicians, and former electoral officials — and question whether it can survive the requirement to win 3% of the vote on its own in the next election. The PAN's new platform, meanwhile, reads like a greatest hits of failed neoliberal policies: privatizing the Dos Bocas refinery, scrapping the new public health system, drone patrols, mega-prisons, and tax cuts that the same party previously raised. Losers and Haters takes aim at a New York Times piece that claims Morena officials are secretly cooperating with U.S. investigators. The hosts dismantle the article's sourcing — eight anonymous "people involved in conversations" who are never quoted, recycled allegations from the same reporters who previously insinuated AMLO's sons were caught on video picking up drug money (a claim never substantiated), and the endless parade of the same irrelevant Mexican commentators. It's a case study in lazy, source-free rumor peddling dressed up as prestige journalism.

In episode 112 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with the fabricated "interview" of Carlos Monsiváis published by El Universal, which smears Andrés Manuel López Obrador with baseless, homophobic innuendo. The hosts demonstrate how the timeline doesn't match, how Monsiváis's family has denied the interview's authenticity, and how the episode reveals the moral bankruptcy of the Mexican right. They connect this to the broader campaign to destroy AMLO's moral authority as a way to weaken Claudia Sheinbaum's presidency.Next, they examine the Schrödinger's box of the USMCA trade agreement. The hosts explain that while the agreement will automatically extend for at least 10 more years, the U.S. may opt for annual reviews — a nightmare scenario that would allow Trump to hold a cudgel over Mexico's head every single year until 2036.The conversation then turns to the electoral results in Colombia and Peru. Iván Cepeda conceded a razor-thin defeat (by just 251,000 votes) to a far-right candidate endorsed by Trump, while in Peru, left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez refuses to recognize Keiko Fujimori's victory, citing widespread fraud. The hosts analyze the different strategies — Cepeda's cautious concession versus Sánchez's defiance — and draw lessons for the Latin American left about the need to defang political opponents before they regain power.Losers and Haters takes aim at the BBC, which unironically tweeted that global trust in news has hit an all-time low — while ignoring its own role in that collapse, from its genocidal coverage of Gaza to its Middle East editor's ties to a CIA front group.

In episode 111 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth cover a week of contrast — from a billionaire's public humiliation to a heartwarming display of South-South solidarity.The episode opens with the spectacular failure of Ricardo Salinas Pliego's attempt to use the World Cup as a launchpad for his presidential ambitions. Expecting to be greeted as a popular hero, the TV Azteca owner was instead met with chants of "Trump's bitch" from the crowd — a moment that went instantly viral. The hosts connect this to the deeper history of the Salinas family's ties to the CIA, documented in a recent investigation showing how far-right Mexican figures have been in Washington's orbit since the 1970s.Next, they turn to the warm reception Mexico has given the Iranian national team, who were forced to base themselves in Tijuana after the U.S. refused to let them stay on US soil. From the mayor of Tijuana hosting a reception, to crowds cheering them at their hotel, to the Iranian booth at the Chapultepec World Cup village drawing huge crowds, the hosts argue this is Mexico at its best — a rebuke to U.S. racism and a genuine expression of solidarity with a nation under attack.The episode also examines new polling showing Claudia Scheinbaum's approval at 71 percent — unchanged despite months of U.S.-backed smear campaigns. Homicides have dropped 46 percent under her administration, a statistic that gets virtually no English-language coverage because it undercuts the narrative of a "cartel-controlled" Mexico. The hosts note that even as the U.S. tries to justify intervention, Mexico's security strategy is producing results.Losers and Haters takes aim at U.S. commentators who can't accept that America lost its war with Iran and now has to take a bad deal. The segment highlights the cognitive dissonance of pundits demanding Trump renege on the agreement — as if losing a war doesn't require making concessions.

In episode 110 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with an in-depth look at the ongoing teachers' protest in Mexico City. The hosts distinguish between the legitimate demands of the CNTE (including the reversal of a 2007 pension privatization) and the government's claim that violent tactics are being used to project an image of chaos ahead of the World Cup. They note that while the union has protested every government regardless of party, the current context, with FIFA demanding cosmetic works and Ricardo Salinas Pliego calling for radical action, has created a volatile mix.Next, they turn to a rare good news story: Mexico's first domestically produced electric vehicle, the Olinia. Priced at 150,000 pesos (about $8,600), the small car is designed for specific Mexican urban needs — school runs, market trips, mobility for people with disabilities — not for export or highway competition. The hosts explain how the vehicle fits into Plan Mexico's broader goal of building national industrial capacity and reducing dependence on imports, while also potentially improving Mexico City's air quality.The episode then examines the American Society gala, a who's-who of opposition figures who gathered to hear a proposal for a "crime-fighting treaty" with the U.S. While Ambassador Ron Johnson was a no-show, the hosts note the event's corporatist structure and its alignment with the Trump administration's push for direct U.S. military intervention in Mexico.Losers and Haters takes aim at cartoonist Paco Calderón, whose attempt to defend Maru Campos only highlighted the opposition's inability to maintain a consistent narrative about the Chihuahua CIA scandal, two months later and they still can't agree on whether she collaborated with U.S. agencies or not.Cover photo by Jay Watts

In the first live episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down a week of dramatic escalation in U.S.-Mexico tensions and President Sheinbaum's forceful response.The episode opens with a firsthand report from the massive Morena rally at the Monumento a la Revolución, where Sheinbaum delivered her toughest speech yet on U.S. interference. After listing the government's achievements over two years, she turned to the extradition request against Sinaloa Governor Rocha Moya and asked bluntly whether Washington is genuinely interested in fighting cartels or simply positioning itself to influence Mexico's 2027 elections. "Mexico is nobody's piñata," she said, warning that if the U.S. can target one governor, it will come for others until the Justice Department becomes "the principal elector in Mexico."The hosts then examine new fronts in U.S. pressure: reports that two more governors — Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villarreal of Tamaulipas — are under federal investigation and have had their visas withdrawn, and Marco Rubio's testimony warning that Mexican cartels could use drones against U.S. interests — a new pretext for intervention. Meanwhile, new tariffs citing "forced labor" in Mexico ignore the actual forced labor happening in U.S. prisons and ICE detention centers.Losers and Haters takes aim at two figures: Héctor Aguilar Camín, and Enrique Krauze, who embarrassed himself by celebrating a right-wing Spanish politician lecturing Mexico on sovereignty. The hosts note that the opposition's reliance on foreign intervention only confirms how bankrupt their domestic project has become.

In episode 108 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down the latest astroturf campaign targeting Mexico's government and why it's likely to backfire.The episode opens with Sin Embargo's investigation into "Mexicanos al Grito de Paz," a shadowy group backed by billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego that has been organizing flash mobs and banner campaigns against President Sheinbaum. Following the same playbook as the failed "Gen Z" movement, the group's social media follows just five accounts — all tied to the country's rightist media — and pushes a single message: narco-Morena. The hosts explain why this one-note strategy is failing to gain traction with a Mexican public that has repeatedly rejected U.S.-backed smears.Next, they examine Mexico's proposed legislation to block foreign interference in elections; a direct response to U.S. meddling in Honduras, Argentina, and the upcoming Colombian elections. While the New York Times frames the move as authoritarian, the hosts clarify how electoral annulment actually works in Mexico: foreign interference would be just one of several legal grounds, and proving it changed an election result remains a high bar. Plus, new polling shows Morena has gained five points since February, while the PAN and PRI continue to collapse, the PAN now at just 4% party identification. Losers and Haters takes aim at a journalist who criticized Mexico for agreeing to host Iran's World Cup delegation in Tijuana after the U.S. refused to let them stay on American soil. The hosts dismantle her regurgitation of State Department talking points, noting the Iranian embassy's gracious response and the Mexican government's mature handling of a diplomatic logjam not of its making.

In episode 107 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down Morena's massive march in Chihuahua — 20,000 people demanding the impeachment of Governor Maru Campos for allowing CIA operatives to conduct illegal operations on Mexican soil. The hosts discuss how the party's new leadership under Ariadna Montiel has finally taken an aggressive stance against treasonous state-level collaboration, contrasting this with past hesitancy.Next, they turn to a timely revelation from the morning press conference, Mexico's foreign secretary disclosed that of 269 extradition requests Mexico has made to the U.S. since 2018, not one has been fulfilled. The hosts highlight the glaring hypocrisy: the U.S. demands immediate cooperation while stonewalling Mexico's own requests, including for figures linked to the Ayotzinapa case.The episode also features a look at President Sheinbaum's typical weekend — two hospitals, a university campus, a high school, universal scholarships, a milk pasteurization plant, and supervision of the Maya Train cargo expansion, all in a single weekend. The hosts argue this relentless pace of public investment explains why Sheinbaum continues to enjoy widespread support.Losers and Haters takes aim at Luis Rubio of Mexico Evalúa, whose America's Quarterly piece masquerades as analysis but reads as a plea for U.S. capital to be allowed to pillage Mexico's resources — a confession of what all the diplomatic pressure is really about.

In episode 106 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine the latest U.S. pressure tactics against Mexico — and why they're not working.The episode opens with two coordinated threats. First, the State Department has announced a review of all 53 Mexican consulates in the U.S., echoing a conspiracy theory pushed by far-right operatives about Mexican diplomats meddling in American affairs. Second, Trump's new counterterrorism strategy centers drug cartels and left-wing domestic groups as the primary threats — with language explicitly reserving the right to act unilaterally if a country "cannot or will not" cooperate.Next, the hosts recount the spectacular failure of Isabel Díaz Ayuso's visit to Mexico. The Madrid regional leader arrived expecting to be celebrated, instead faced protests everywhere and cut her trip short. Her post-visit response, calling Mexico a dangerous narco-state, only underscored how badly she misread the country. The hosts note that four PAN governors who met with her managed to hand Morena a gift by changing the news cycle away from the Rocha indictment.Finally, despite relentless U.S. pressure, new polling shows President Sheinbaum's approval has risen to 72 percent. Most telling: in Sinaloa, 60 percent oppose U.S. military operations on Mexican soil, even amid ongoing cartel violence. The episode closes with Losers and Haters targeting PRI president Alejandro Moreno, who traveled to Washington to formally request that Morena be designated a terrorist organization.

In episode 105 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dissect the U.S. government's extradition request for Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya — and why the timing looks less like justice and more like retaliation.The episode opens with a breakdown of the indictment, highlighting three red flags: the U.S. made it public within hours of notifying Mexico; they requested provisional arrest without providing evidence; and the charges rely on testimony from protected witnesses — likely the Chapitos — whose credibility is compromised. All of this comes just days after the Chihuahua scandal, where CIA agents were caught operating illegally with a PAN governor.The conversation then examines the newly released U.S. National Drug Control Strategy, which prioritizes militarized interdiction and "the healing power of faith" over public health — revealing that U.S. drug policy is about imperial control, not solving addiction.Finally, they turn to Morena's new party president, Adriana Montiel, a former wellbeing secretary who helped build Mexico's social programs inside the territory. Her first act? Expressing solidarity with Cuba — a promising shift for a party needing territory work, not spotlight seekers.Losers and Haters takes aim at a New York Times piece on Cuba's May Day march, which the hosts dismantle as propaganda: unscientific surveys, unsubstantiated claims, and an "embattled president" framing that ignores the actual U.S. blockade causing the crisis.

In episode 104 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the deepening scandal over CIA operatives operating illegally in Mexico—and the U.S. ambassador's aggressive response.The episode opens with an update on the fallout from the Chihuahua incident, where two CIA agents died in a car crash while on an unauthorized operation alongside state authorities. The hosts trace how the story has evolved: the state attorney general's shifting explanations, the resignation of key officials, and Governor Maru Campos's refusal to appear before the Senate. They also examine the broader implications of U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson's provocative statements about a coming "anti-corruption campaign" targeting Mexican politicians—a move that feels less about accountability and more about leveraging the USMCA negotiations.Next, they share a rare piece of good news: the long-awaited inauguration of the Felipe Ángeles Airport train line. Mexico City now has a reliable, affordable rail connection to its second airport—part of a broader state-led push for public transit that stands in stark contrast to the privatization models pushed by previous neoliberal administrations.Kurt then reports back from his recent trip to Chicago, where he spoke with Mexican migrant organizers about the shared struggle against U.S. aggression and the need to build bridges between communities on both sides of the border. The conversation touches on the 40-million-strong Mexican diaspora's political potential, the lingering effects of corporatist structures from the PRI era, and the challenge of building new forms of participation under the Fourth Transformation.Finally, Losers and Haters takes aim at a Wall Street Journal hit piece that paints President Sheinbaum as exhausted, short-tempered, and overwhelmed—relying on anonymous sources, tired stereotypes, and the ever-present Jorge Castañeda. The hosts dismantle the piece as misogynistic gossip dressed up as journalism, noting that for all the supposed chaos, Mexico's exports are up, its trains are running, and its president remains popular.

In episode 103 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from Cuba with firsthand observations of life under the intensifying U.S. blockade.The episode opens with their report from the fifth Patria colloquium in Havana, where they witnessed both the resistence of the Cuban people and the daily reality of hours-hour blackouts, fuel shortages, and a growing waitlist for medical operations—including 11,000 children. Yet amid the hardship, they found a population that remains fiercely committed to defending its socialist project, grateful for Mexican solidarity, and determined not to give the empire the easy win it seeks.Next, they break down an explosive scandal: two CIA operatives died in a car crash in Chihuahua while returning from an operation led by state authorities. The problem? The Mexican federal government knew nothing about it. The hosts explain why this collaboration between a PAN state governor and U.S. intelligence is unconstitutional, illegal, and a profound violation of national sovereignty—and why Ambassador Ron Johnson has serious questions to answer.The episode closes on a positive note: Mexico's proposed transition to a universal, portable health care system. Kurt walks through the nuts and bolts of the plan, which would integrate the country's fragmented health subsystems by 2030—a rare bright spot of social investment at a time when much of the world is slashing public services.

In episode 102 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with an in-depth examination of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances' unprecedented decision to refer Mexico's case to the General Assembly. The hosts break down why the Mexican government has rejected the report, arguing that the committee improperly extrapolated from outdated data (2009-2016) and stretched the definition of "enforced disappearance" beyond the committee's own definition—all while ignoring progress made since 2018. They question the timing and motivations behind the move.Next, the conversation shifts to Mexico's more assertive stance on migrant deaths in U.S. immigration custody. For the first time, Mexico is taking the issue to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights while also joining an amicus curiae brief in a lawsuit over the Adelanto detention center in California, where Mexican nationals have died. The hosts analyze what this shift signals about the new foreign policy approach under incoming foreign secretary Roberto Velasco.Finally, they introduce Velasco, the 38-year-old openly gay diplomat rising through the ranks as a protégé of Marcelo Ebrard. While not expecting a radical departure from past policy, the hosts note early signs of a more vocal and social media-savvy foreign ministry—a welcome change after the muted performance of his predecessor.The episode closes with a sobering Losers and Haters focused on Donald Trump's social media threats to "wipe a civilization off the face of the earth," and what that means for Mexico's long-term deterrence strategy.

In episode 101 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from a brief break to tackle the Mexican tax authority's decision to revoke the tax-deductible status some NGOs operating in the country, including prominent organizations linked to the opposition and US funding. The hosts break down what actually happened—a routine administrative review that these groups failed to comply with—and why the outcry reveals more about the privileges they've enjoyed than any actual repression.Next, they examine two recent incidents of U.S. troops entering Mexican territory without authorization, including a recent episode at the US-Mexico border and a November 2024 case where private contractors posted signs declaring Mexican land a U.S. restricted area. While the government has downplayed both incidents, the hosts argue they are part of a pattern of provocations that demand a serious deterrent strategy—something Mexico currently lacks.The conversation then turns to a U.S. House bill targeting Mexico over the Vulcan Materials dispute, a long-running environmental conflict in the Yucatán. The hosts detail how the Mexican government tried to negotiate a buyout before declaring the area a protected natural zone, and why the company's refusal to accept a fair price has now escalated into a congressional showdown.Finally, Losers and Haters takes aim at the PT party for blocking key elements of the electoral reform Plan B—a move that has angered the coalition's base and exposed the limits of governing with smaller parties more interested in self-preservation than principle.

In episode 100 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth mark the milestone by reflecting on two years of covering Mexican politics, and the episode is packed with analysis fitting the occasion.The hosts lead with the renewed solidarity campaign for Cuba, sparked by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador emerging from retirement to launch a fundraising drive for the island. They unpack the significance of this gesture, the disinformation campaigns it triggered, and the broader context of U.S. pressure on Cuba, including Donald Trump's recent threats to "take Cuba" one way or another.Next, they examine a joint statement from Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East; a modest but notable step toward coordinated progressive diplomacy. The discussion connects the dots to escalating U.S. military actions in Ecuador and the ongoing catastrophe in Iran, arguing that Latin America cannot afford to be passive while imperialist aggression spreads.The episode also covers the defeat of Morena's electoral reform in the lower house and the announcement of a Plan B, exposing the self-interested maneuvers of coalition partners and the challenges of governing with smaller parties more concerned with patronage than principle.Finally, Losers and Haters takes aim at Grupo Fórmula radio host Azucena Uresti's predictable meltdown over López Obrador's reappearance, a fitting reminder of the media dynamics that helped launch this podcast 100 episodes ago.

In episode 99 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine the so-called "Shield of the Americas" summit in Miami—a gathering of right-wing leaders representing barely a fifth of the region's population. The hosts break down why Mexico wasn't invited despite high levels of security cooperation, what the exclusion of Brazil and Colombia reveals, and why Under Secretary Christopher Landau's comments in India about blocking development should worry every country in the Global South.Next, they turn to a rare bright spot: Mexico's ambitious housing program, which is refinancing predatory loans and building 1.8 million new homes with zero-interest mortgages for low-income families. The hosts discuss why this policy is finally getting international attention and what it says about building a welfare state from the ashes of neoliberalism.Finally, they provide a security update following the death of El Mencho. Contrary to the apocalyptic predictions and disinformation campaigns that flooded social media, homicide numbers continue their downward trend—proof that intelligence and social policy can work better than sensationalism and fear. And as always, Loser and Haters, which looks at the worst take Trump's sham summit.

In episode 98 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth analyze the widening global conflict following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and its implications for Mexico and Latin America.The episode leads with the U.S. attack on Iran, examining how the widespread destruction done in Gaza is being applied to Tehran while the international community stands by. The hosts connect the dots to Latin America, warning client states that U.S. "protection" evaporates when interests shift—a lesson from the Gulf region now playing out in real time.Next, they break down Morena's electoral reform, explaining how it would actually reduce the ruling party's power by eliminating backdoor seats for political opportunists aka "chapulines" and give more voice to voters, including migrants abroad. The reform has sparked rare pushback from coalition partners, revealing the tension between principle and political patronage.Finally, a rare good news story: Mexico's Supreme Court traveled to Indigenous territory for the first time to grant self-governance rights to a Chiapas community, breathing life into constitutional reforms decades in the making. It's a small victory for autonomy in a world increasingly defined by war.

In episode 97 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dissect the fallout from the Mexican military's operation that killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.The hosts break down what actually happened versus the torrent of disinformation that flooded social media: from AI-generated images of cities in flames to wild claims of U.S. agents strangling the kingpin mid-flight. They examine why the narrative spun so quickly out of control, who benefits from painting Mexico as ungovernable, and the real story behind the cartel's retaliatory actions.The episode also covers the US Supreme Court's tariff ruling that struck down Trump's emergency powers, its implications for Mexico's leverage in USMCA talks, and what it means for the ongoing pressure campaign against Cuba.With their signature blend of on-the-ground knowledge and sharp analysis, José Luis and Kurt separate fact from fiction in a week dominated by fake news, while honoring the 25 National Guard members who lost their lives in the aftermath.

In episode 96 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine Mexico's balancing act between defending its principles and navigating relentless pressure from the United States.The episode opens with Mexico's rejection of Trump's "Board of Peace" over the exclusion of Palestine—a principled stand that signals a more independent foreign policy. The hosts then unpack encouraging OECD data showing rising trust in Mexican institutions and low unemployment, challenging the bleak narrative pushed by domestic and international critics.The conversation turns to the ongoing Cuba crisis, where Kurt's recent Jacobin article frames the Sheinbaum administration's difficult position: wanting to send oil to Cuba but facing the threat of U.S. military escalation. The hosts dissect the asymmetry of power and the limits of solidarity when a nuclear-armed empire patrols the Caribbean.Finally, they take aim at Denise Dresser in Losers and Haters for dismissing Salma Hayek's support of new efforts to support Mexico's film industry—a perfect example of elite punditry detached from reality.

In episode 95 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth tackle the controversy surrounding the U.S.-Mexico critical minerals agreement, examining what it actually says, what it doesn’t, and why it has sparked widespread concern over national sovereignty and resource control. They contrast the deal with the government’s parallel effort to revoke inactive mining concessions, a move that reaffirms state authority over strategic resources.Next, they turn to the Mexican politicians who attended CPAC in Washington, including the so-called “migrant deputy” Raúl Torres. At a time of aggressive ICE raids and documented abuses against Mexican nationals, the hosts scrutinize the absence of migrant defense and the optics of aligning with the U.S. far right.Finally, they investigate a damning report from the ICIJ revealing that nearly half of the .50 caliber ammunition seized from cartels in Mexico comes from a single U.S. Army-owned plant, highlighting the contradiction of U.S. demands for Mexican action while Washington profits from the arms flow.The episode closes with a sharp Losers and Haters segment aimed at Felipe Calderón, who uncritically amplified unsubstantiated allegations against López Obrador—an irony not lost on the hosts.

In episode 94 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the Mexico connections in the Jeffrey Epstein files, focusing on serious allegations against a former U.S. ambassador and the impunity that protects powerful figures. Next, they provide an urgent update on U.S. efforts to strangle Cuba with an oil blockade, examining Mexico's diplomatic response and the looming humanitarian crisis. Finally, the hosts celebrate a major domestic achievement: the full inauguration of the "El Insurgente" commuter train, a symbol of infrastructure progress and national priorities.The episode concludes with a special segment of "Can I Borrow You For A Minute?" featuring an insightful interview with the hosts of the Blowback podcast on U.S. imperialism and global resistance.

In episode 93 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from a major anti-imperialist conference in Colombia to analyze its outcomes and the urgent challenges facing Latin America.They share their impressions from the “Nuestra América” summit in Bogotá, discussing the push for regional unity, the importance of the upcoming Colombian elections, and the need to turn solidarity into concrete action. Back on the home front, the hosts examine mounting pressures on Mexican sovereignty, from the contentious suspension of an oil shipment to Cuba to disputed narratives around a high-profile arrest. Amidst these diplomatic storms, they also highlight a positive domestic story: the government’s progress on delivering affordable public housing.As always, José Luis and Kurt provide sharp, on-the-ground analysis of the political forces shaping Mexico and the region, wrapping up with a critical look at a new conspiracy theory targeting Mexico’s consular network in the U.S.

In episode 92 of Soberanía, we begin by looking at how much can change in just two weeks, using Mark Carney’s comments at the World Economic Forum as a starting point to discuss shifting economic and political signals and what they mean for Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum. The conversation then turns to Mexico’s decision to expel criminal figures and what that action reveals about US pressure on Mexico. In the third segment, we examine Mexico’s push toward universal health care, focusing specifically on the rollout of new Mexican health cards and what they mean in practice for access and coverage. Finally, in Loser and Haters we pick on the Mexican opposition.

In episode 91 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack the political response in Mexico following the U.S. attack on Venezuela.The show starts with an on-the-ground report from the large anti-imperialist march in Mexico City, analyzing the turnout, the diverse participants, and the powerful message of regional solidarity against U.S. aggression. The conversation then shifts to the shifting diplomatic pressures from Washington, breaking down the contradictory "good cop, bad cop" dynamic emerging between Marco Rubio and Donald Trump in their dealings with President Sheinbaum's administration.Finally, the hosts delve into an investigative report exposing how U.S. government funds, funneled through CIA-linked contractors, are being used to interfere in Mexican labor unions under the guise of enforcing trade agreements. Plus a Losers and Haters segment on stupid headlines from bad writers.

In episode 90 of Soberania, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth confront a watershed moment for Latin America: the U.S. military attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.The hosts dissect the attack as a stark escalation of U.S. intervention, breaking down the dubious legal pretexts used to justify it and the severe breach of international law. They unpack the geopolitical fallout, from Mexico's firm defense of sovereignty to what this move signals about Washington's broader aims in Latin America. José Luis and Kurt also take aim at the media narratives and commentators who helped pave the way for the crisis.

Welcome to Part 2 of our special year-end episode on Soberanía! In this segment, we continue our countdown of the top 10 stories about Mexico from 2025, covering stories 5 through 1. Join us as we discuss U.S. regional threats against Latin America, the groundbreaking judicial election in Mexico, the Gen Z Astro Turf March, significant poverty reduction efforts in Mexico, and how Claudia Sheinbaum held off Trump's aggressive policies. Don't miss this comprehensive recap with our hosts and special guest, Samuel, as we wrap up the year's most impactful stories.

Welcome to Part 1 of our special year-end episode on Soberanía! In this segment, we delve into the top 10 stories about Mexico from 2025, covering stories 10 through 6. Join us as we discuss the opposition's missteps, the ambitious Plan Mexico, the influence of US actors in Mexico, mass Morena demonstrations, and Claudia Sheinbaum's impactful first year in office. Don't miss this engaging recap with our hosts and special guest, Samuel, as we prepare to reveal the top 5 stories in the next episode. Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

In this year-end episode of Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast, co-hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth close out the year with an in-depth analysis of Mexico’s newly announced tariff package, examining the policy debate behind it and the pros and cons of this strategy. The conversation then turns to the U.S. move to frame fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction," exploring what that designation could mean for bilateral relations and why Mexico has reason to be wary given how similar declarations have been used in the past.In the third segment, the hosts look ahead to 2026. What's in store for Sheinbaum's government? The episode wraps up with the return of Losers and Haters, where this week’s target is—once again—the New York Times.https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-soberanias-antiimperialist-reporting

This week on Soberanía: we report on the demonstration in Zócalo on the seventh anniversary of the Fourth Transformation, the significance of hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, and Claudia Sheinbaum’s push to expand Mexico’s public health system. We break down the proposed shift to a 40-hour workweek, what it really means for workers, and how minimum-wage gains fit into the bigger picture. We then examine the scandal ex-DEA personnel, crypto money-laundering, and weapons for the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel. We close with our Losers & Haters segment calling out the LA Times.

In this episode of the Soberanía Podcast, hosts Jose Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth discuss: the reappearance of AMLO, the resignation of Mexico's Attorney General Gertz Manero, and the recent elections in Honduras. They delve into AMLO's return to public life, his new book, and the political implications of his actions. The resignation of Gertz Manero is analyzed in the context of his controversial tenure and the challenges facing Mexico's justice system. The hosts also explore the surprising election results in Honduras, highlighting the role of US intervention and the impact on regional politics. The episode concludes with the usual 'losers and haters' segment, where they critique an Obama-era figure.

In this episode, we explore protests by Mexican farmers who are challenging the low prices they receive for corn, highlighting the role of intermediaries in the agricultural supply chain and how corn dumping by the US is putting pressure on campesinos. We then return to Gen Z march in Mexico, focusing on the ties to the opposition and the colossal failure of their second attempt to hold a demonstration. Finally, we delve into the strategic maneuvers of the United States in Latin America, particularly focusing on Honduras as a testing ground for US policies and its implications for regional stability. And as always, don't miss our "Losers and Haters" segment, where we critique a New York Times article on "Russian disinformation" in Mexico.

How do you do, fellow kids? In this special episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja lay out the truth behind what was billed as a "youth" march and instead was a by-the-book, attempt at astroturfed destablization. This includes blow-by-blow coverage of the march itself, from their search for actual young people among the marchers to the scenes of violence in the Zócalo provoked for international consumption. All of this leading directly to President Trump saying, on cue, that he would be "okay" with airstriking Mexico, and the US embassy tweeting that there would only be an intervention "if Mexico wants it." Kurt and José Luis then analyze the interests behind the destabilization attempt, including Ricardo Salinas Pliego, whose Elektra Group lost seven tax cases before the Supreme Court last week, and international far-right interests such as The Atlas Network and the website "La Derecha Diario", which egged on the most extreme scenes witnessed on Saturday.

This week on Soberanía, Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja bundle up for a freezing Mexico City episode and break down three stories that reveal where Mexico stands in today’s shifting global politics. First, they explore Mexico and the “old world” — new meetings between Mexico, France, Spain, the EU and CELAC, and what these diplomatic moves say about Latin America’s growing independence from European influence. Then they turn to Ricardo Salinas Pliego, as Mexico’s most notorious oligarch finally faces the Supreme Court after years of legal dodges by his companies. The hosts unpack what this long-delayed reckoning means for accountability and the balance between power and money in Mexico. Finally, they examine Israel’s false claim of an “Iranian plot” in Mexico, how the story unraveled, and what it reveals about media manipulation and foreign attempts to drag Mexico into geopolitical narratives. And as always, it all wraps up with Losers and Haters of the Week, this time focusing on the so-called Gen Z protests and how they’re being weaponized by the opposition and media to push an anti-government narrative.

In this episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into four key stories shaping Mexico and the region: first, the political vultures circling after the assassination of the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, amongst renewed calls for US intervention and failed “war on cartels” policies. Second, a leaked U.S. memo exposing what Washington is demanding behind the scenes in the USMCA revision: a total handover of Mexican national sovereignty. Third, Spain’s cautious, long-delayed, and bet-heding apology for the legacy of conquest in the voice of their Foreign Minister. And, finally, in our perenntial “Losers & Haters” segment, a Florida politician that wants to wield that very agreement to pressure Mexico to cut off support for Cuba.

In this week's episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja dive into the Trump administration’s latest round of extrajudicial military assassinations — this time in the Pacific — and Mexico’s response after rescuing a survivor off the Acapulco coast. With no end to the military buildup in sight, and while attempting to make military action against Venezuela look increasingly inevitable, the US is backing itself into a corner of its own making. Our hosts proceed to break down the new round of North American trade negotiations and what they reveal about how Mexico and Canada are navigating their respective relationships with Washington. Kurt and José Luis also report back from a recent conference on “delinking” — how countries in the Global South can move beyond the historical dominance of the Global North to create genuine sovereignty in the political, economic, and financial realms. And as always, tey wrap up with their Loser and Hater of the week, tied to the last-minute attempt to manufacture consent for U.S. military aggression.

In this episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack the supposed relaunch of Mexico's right-wing party, the PAN: can it really reclaim relevance with the same people peddling the same program, simply by means of an updated logo? José Luis and Kurt then shift to the government’s response to recent torrental rains and flooding in five states, assessing preparedness, relief efforts, and attempts by the opposition, as always, to make political hay out of a natural disaster. They then turn to foreign policy, as President Sheinbaum steps up sales of excess diesel to Cuba, despite the anachronistic whining of the same tired voices from the cold-war generation. One of them is then profiled in our regular Losers & Haters segment: a familiar figure to longtime listeners.

In this week's episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados react to the farcical irony of far-right Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, unpacking her long record of backing coups, sanctions, and foreign intervention, what this award reveals about Western hypocrisy, and what it all could mean for Mexico. They then turn to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to skip the Summit of the Americas, exploring how it builds on López Obrador's refusal to attend the Los Angeles edition in 2022 to promote Latin American regional sovereignty against US exclusionism. The discussion continues with the debate around Mexico's amparo reform bill - in its final stages in Congress - breaking down how it could close off the elites' endless attempts to game the system and the pushback it has thus sparked from Mexico’s conservative establishment. The episode closes with Losers and Haters, revisiting a familiar figure whose newfound power threatens to do real damage from within the newly dubbed "War" Department.

This week on Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down Washington’s latest escalation as the US declares itself to be in a "non-international armed conflict" with cartels, exploring how it is set to revive post-9/11 war-on-terror tactics in Latin America. They proceed to discuss the case of the kidnapped Mexicans finally freed after the kidnapping of the Global Sumud Flotilla, what it says about Mexico’s foreign policy, and what a transformational approach to foreign affairs could look like. The conversation turns to US bullying (again), with fresh threats under the USMCA aimed at Mexico’s energy and telecom sectors, among others, before taking a polling deep dive to contrast Claudia Sheinbaum's sky-high numbers with those of MORENA. In Losers & Haters, the hosts take aim at media spin from the LA Times and NY Times, and finally tease an upcoming Tren Maya discussion on their El Taller interview show.

Join hosts Jose Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth on Soberania as they explore Claudia Sheinbaum's first year in office, highlighting her impressive 79% approval rating and the challenges she's faced with U.S. tariffs. They also debate Mexico's new tariffs on China and what it means for the country's economic future. In a new segment called "Latin America Roundup," they cover the latest developments in Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru offering a comprehensive view of the region's political landscape. Don't miss the "Losers and Haters" segment, where they humorously critique the week's turd sandwich.

In this week’s episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja unpack Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to call Israel’s assault on Gaza a “genocide” for the first time ahead of the UN General Assembly, exploring what this means for Mexico’s diplomatic stance and the grassroots pressure that has shaped public debate. The conversation then turns to a Washington Post report revealing that the DEA actively pushed bombing Mexican territory in the initial months of Trump's second administration. Next, in the "Oh... Canada" segment, they discuss Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Mexico and his attempt to repair bilateral relations after years of mismanagement. The episode closes with their regular Losers and Haters segment, taking aim at Border Czar Tom Homan's alleged bribes worth $50,000 in exchange for contracts from the boss. Who's the criminal now, Tom?

On this special Independence Day episode of Soberanía, we dive into President Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic first Grito, Mexico’s growing sense of optimism, and the stark contrast with a United States gripped by fear, censorship, and violence. We also unpack reports of CIA activity in Mexico, Trump’s drone strikes near Venezuela, and what Washington’s doctrine of extrajudicial killings could mean for Mexico’s sovereignty. Finally, in Losers and Haters, those in the press - and think tanks - who would whitewash US aggression in the region.

Hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the major stories shaping Mexican politics this week. They begin with Mexico’s 2026 budget proposal, examining what Claudia Sheinbaum’s second budget means for banks, Pemex, and social spending. Next, they break down the Sheinbaum administration's crackdown on "huachicol fiscal", the fuel smuggling and tax evasion scheme, analyzing the timing of the operation and why ending impunity is essential to protect public resources. They then turn to culture and politics at Saturday's concert of Residente in Mexico City, where a massive free show in the Zócalo transformed into a powerful moment of solidarity with Palestine, with refugees and the Palestinian ambassador joining the singer on stage. Finally, in their regular segment "Losers and Haters", they analyze how billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego and TV Azteca are using AI-generated videos to twist the legacy of Benito Juárez into neoliberal propaganda as part of the magnate's wishful-thinking political ambitions.

On this episode of Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack Mexico’s historic September 1st, when the country inaugurated its first Supreme Court chosen by popular vote and President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered her first State of the Union address.They also look at U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s visit to Mexico and Washington’s pressure campaign, Mexico–Brazil ties and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and PRI boss Alito “Vandalito” Moreno’s violent antics in Congress. The show closes with the Losers and Haters segment, this week focusing on Human Rights Watch.👉 Context, analysis, and a closer look at how Mexico’s transformation is reshaping politics at home and abroad.

In this episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja break down Senator Lilly Téllez’s call for U.S. intervention in Mexico during a Fox News appearance - an act which many in Mexico equate with treason. They also fact-check the DEA’s recent false claims (or more bluntly, "pulling it out of their a**) about a supposed joint project with Mexico, exposing how narratives get manufactured in a way that resembles a certain Dr Strangelove. Kurt and José Luis also discuss Ken Klippenstein’s three-part series on U.S. invasion plans targeting Mexico, and how much credence to give to a clear trail of leaking that began with last week's Rolling Stone piece. Then, in their regular Losers and Haters segment, our hosts take apart the Baker Institute’s deeply flawed report on Mexico, with breathless wonder at its ability to be disproven so thoroughly and quickly. And finally: a preview of coming attractions on "Soberanía," with a trailer introducing a brand-new segment!

Poverty is down...and opposition justifications are up. In the latest episode of Soberanía - following the introduction of Jose Luis' new toy - our intrepid hosts discuss the remarkable findings from the INEGI's 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Report: 13.4 million Mexicans exited poverty under AMLO's watch. Even the Guardian was forced to admit it! They further discuss Mexico's expulsion (not extradition) of 26 capos to the United States in the context of ongoing negotiations over tariffs and security with the Trump administration which Rolling Stone Magazine considers to be "less like a negotiating tactic and more like a mafia-style intimidation campaign." In that vein, Kurt and José Luis assess the ongoing US military buildup in the region (serious threat or bluff?), and, in Losers and Haters, another piece of right-wing-attack-masquerading-as-left-wing-critique from the NACLA Report.

In the latest episode of Soberanía, José Luis and Kurt discuss Trump’s latest executive order against the cartels: a serious threat or more antics from a flailing administration looking to throw another helping of red at its base? Also, Canada tries to play nice with Mexico after throwing it under a bus, a notable reduction in violent crime in the first ten months of the Sheinbaum administration and, in Losers and Haters, the New York Times is back on the trail of fentanyl… except when it crosses into the United States.

Bring it! On this episode of Soberanía - with a brand-spanking-new intro and outro - Kurt and José Luis break down their experience at the second Panamerican Congress held in Mexico City. Is there any way for the peoples of the Americas to truly understand each other? Also, good economic news on three fronts: reducing poverty, rescuing PEMEX and holding tariffs at bay. Expanding the definition of "cartel" north of the Rio Grande with reports from Seth Harp (Fort Bragg) and José Olivares (Cibola County Correctional Center). And finally, a hyper-gentrified loser and hater.

In this crossover episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth are joined by David Griscom of Left Reckoning to unpack how militarized spending and reactionary politics have turned the U.S.-Mexico border into a profitable battleground. From Texas sheriffs chasing cable news fame to ICE's record-breaking budgets, they explore how state power and corruption fuel a bipartisan consensus of repression. The conversation also touches on “terror Keynesianism,” the erosion of civil rights, lessons from Mexico’s leftward turn, and the international boomerang of U.S. imperial policy—from the borderlands to Gaza.

The unfriendly skies, indeed: as part of its ongoing turning-of-screws, the Trump administration is now meddling in Mexico's internal aviation rules, with a series of fresh threats against flights to the US and the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture. Kurt and José Luis have a full breakdown. According to a new study, the biggest beneficiaries of the Mexico-US-Canada free-trade agreements have been: [drumroll], the big multinationals, vindicating what Chomsky warned about in the lead-up to the original NAFTA in 1994. The borough head of Cuauhtémoc rolls the culture-war dice by removing a popular statue of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara close to where they first met, and... burning books at the anti-gentrification rally?

This is getting old. Donald Trump has now threatened Mexico with tariffs for the fourth time since being elected, with an ever-shifting carousel of justifications. In today's episode, José Luis and Kurt have the entire breakdown. New sets of polls on both sides of the border demonstrate that USers are souring on Trump's immigration measures...and that Mexicans are souring on the US. Better late than never: Mexico decides to attend the Emergency Conference of States to End the Gaza Genocide amidst rumors that Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente's passive approach to diplomacy is wearing thin. And in Losers and Haters, a US narco-lawyer tries to pick a fight with President Sheinbaum.