Sustainable LatAm

In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, hosts Alberto Souviron, Andrew Thompson, and Julian Seydoux are joined by Oxford academic and Andean expert, Professor John Crabtree. Together, they unpack the administrative chaos and political uncertainty surrounding Peru's recent first-round presidential elections. The conversation delves into the logistical hurdles of managing 35 presidential candidates, the Trumpian fraud claims led by Rafael Lopez Aliaga, and the nail-bitingly close race to face Keiko Fujimori in the second round. Beyond the ballot box, the panel explores the surprising resilience of the Peruvian economy amidst a history of frequent presidential impeachments. They discuss how the return to a bicameral Congress might bring much-needed stability to the nation. The episode also analyzes Peru's delicate geopolitical balancing act between the United States and China, highlighting recent tensions over American F-16 fighter jets and the Chinese-built Chancay port. Finally, the discussion tackles the rising concerns over extortion and common crime, alongside the deep-rooted regional and social divides shaping Peru's political and economic future.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, we unpack the high-stakes elections approaching in Peru and Colombia.Despite severe political instability—highlighted by Peru cycling through eight presidents in a single decade—both nations have managed to sustain surprisingly stable macroeconomies. We explore this fascinating disconnect, breaking down how the fear of crime, targeted social investments, and deep regional divides are driving voters to the polls.Zooming out, we also analyze the massive geopolitical tug-of-war playing out in Latin America, from China’s infrastructure push via Peru's Chancay mega-port to the US's strategic counter-influence in Colombia.Key Takeaways:The unpredictable nature of Peru's crowded 35-candidate race.The stark gap between actual crime statistics and public perception.The driving forces behind Gustavo Petro's polling surge in Colombia.US vs. China: The battle for strategic influence and infrastructure.The looming threat of fractured congresses and the necessity of complex coalition-building.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this episode of Sustainable Latam, hosts Alberto Souviron, Andrew Thompson, and Julian Seydoux are joined by Gerardo Berthin, President of Freedom House, to discuss the findings of the Freedom in the World 2026 report. The conversation centers on the "growing shadow of autocracy" and a 20-year global decline in freedom, specifically examining the resilience of democracy across Latin America.Gerardo provides a nuanced look at the region, highlighting Bolivia as a new bright spot of freedom while expressing concern over the institutional backsliding in El Salvador and the rise of "unmanageable" organized crime in countries such as Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. The episode also dives into the "post-truth" political discourse surrounding crime rates, the impact of generative AI on democratic truth, and the complex path forward for a post-Maduro Venezuela.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this episode of Sustainable Latam, the discussion centers on the interconnected geopolitical, economic, and social trends currently reshaping Latin America. The panel explores how the Iran war, US. foreign policy shifts, and a potential regional "energy boom" are creating a complex, "double-edged sword" scenario for the region.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, the panel dives deep into the complex geopolitical, economic, and social forces shaping Central America today. The discussion analyzes the region's political shift toward the populist right, highlighting recent elections in Honduras and Costa Rica. It alsotackles the escalating security crisis across the region. The experts examine the potential fallout from the death of El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel, and contrast the regional drug violence with the aggressive, militarized anti-crime approach taken by President Bukele in El Salvador.Beyond regional politics, the episode explores the intensifying superpower competition between the U.S. and China for control of infrastructure and resources, using the Panama Canal ports as a prime example. Finally, the panel addresses the looming economic threat that Artificial Intelligence poses to Central America's crucial call center industry, wrapping up with their mixed predictions for the region's outlook in 2030.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this edition of Sustainable LatAm, we explore the monumental—and often tumultuous—Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). After a quarter-century of negotiations, is this deal finally ready to launch, or will legal challenges and internal politics hold it back?Andrew Thompson, Alberto Souviron, and Julian Seydoux are joined by special guest Débora Toledo (International Director and Partner at Grupo Lacer) to dissect the agreement's true value. Beyond the headline GDP figures, the team discusses the strategic necessity for Europe to secure resource partners, the reality of sustainable agriculture in Brazil, and how Mercosur is actively diversifying its alliances in a shifting global order.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jose M. Linares, Senior Executive Vice President and Global Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Banco Santander. He provides an insider’s perspective on the shifting economic tides in Latin America. We explore the changes in Bolivia, the pro-business momentum in Argentina, and the challenges and opportunities for Brazil. From the energy transition and the mineral demands of AI to the massive infrastructure deficit, Jose explains why he is more optimistic about the region today than at any point since the 1990s.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

"The world woke up to a different geopolitical map on January 4th."In this episode, we break down the shocking events of January 3, 2026—the day the United States military launched Operation Absolute Resolve. In a daring and controversial nighttime raid, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, whisking them away to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.But as the dust settles in Caracas, the questions are only just beginning. We dive deep into the legal, political, and economic fallout of an intervention that has no modern parallel.We analyzeThe Legality of 'Absolute Resolve.'The Oil vs. Democracy DebateThe China FactorVenezuelan reality: Delcy Rodríguez, the Venezuelan Army and the OpositionThe Latin American Ripple EffectThe Future: Risks and OpportunitiesProduction: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

What does the roadmap for Latin America look like in 2026? In this episode of Sustainable Latin America, we move beyond the headlines to provide a comprehensive outlook on the region’s geopolitical and economic future.As a new "Cold War" competition intensifies between a second Trump administration and Xi Jinping’s China, Latin America is finding itself in a unique position of leverage. We analyze the "Triangular Relationship" and why 2026 is being hailed as a year of "cautious optimism" and strategic opportunity.Key Topics Covered:The 2026 Election Marathon: A look at the high-stakes presidential races in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, and what the "Blue Tide" (market-friendly shift) means for investors.The Energy & AI Nexus: Why Latin America’s rare earth minerals and energy grids are now the "fuel" for the global AI revolution.Trade Wars & "The Great Auction": How regional leaders are balancing US trade pressures against China’s massive infrastructure investments.The Mercosur-EU "Last Stand": An update on the 25-year-old trade agreement—will it finally cross the finish line or be abandoned for good?Economic Resilience: Why 3% growth is actually a victory, and which countries (like Argentina and Brazil) are standing out in the 2026 forecast.Timestamps:[00:01:45] – US Strategic Review: Latin America as a 2026 priority.[00:11:30] – The 2026 Forecast: Comparing GDP growth to the "lost decade."[00:17:45] – Election Calendar: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica.[00:23:50] – The EU-Mercosur update: The "Third Way" for regional sovereignty.[00:36:45] – Closing Thoughts: Why 2026 is a year of "cautious optimism."Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

The U.S. National Security Strategy released on Friday is a major statement of intent — one that sets the tone for the administration’s worldview and signals a more assertive approach toward the Western Hemisphere.Here is a brief AI-generated audio summary of what the new NSS represents for Latin America. The takeaway is clear: this strategy marks a seismic shift, placing the region far higher on Washington’s strategic map — from critical minerals and energy transitions to governance, security cooperation, and countering external influence.While the audio may contain inaccuracies, it captures the core direction of travel.In an upcoming episode, we'll dive deeper into the implications of this shift at Sustainable LatAm.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

Los últimos resultados electorales en América Latina, especialmente al sur de la región, reflejan un giro hacia la derecha o la centro derecha. ¿Por qué? ¿Esta tendencia hacia la derecha llega para quedarse o es solo el reflejo del desgaste de los gobiernos progresistas? Analizamos aquí, la magnitud de esta nueva marea conservadora, su alcance y los desafíos que enfrenta.The latest election results in Latin America, particularly in the south of the region, reflect a shift towards the right or centre-right. Why? Is this rightward trend here to stay, or is it merely a reflection of the fatigue surrounding progressive governments? Here, we analyse the magnitude of this new conservative tide, its scope, and the challenges it faces.Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus. 

La llegada de Rodrigo Paz a la presidencia de Bolivia marca un cambio histórico en el país. Luego de alrededor de dos décadas de gobierno del Movimiento al Socialismo, con hegemonía total, el país optó por una corriente de centro-derecha. Sin embargo, ¿qué significa este cambio de dirección? ¿Qué país recibe Rodrigo Paz? ¿Cuáles son las perspectivas reales de cambio en medio de una de las peores crisis económicas que ha vivido el país?Production: Sustainable LatAmPresenters Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus.