 This special edition of Latin Pulse includes an opportunity to hear a Cuban perspective on politics and diplomacy, along with an analysis of what derailed the peace process in Colombia.  A Cuban professor discusses the importance of continued exchanges between the United States and Cuba, while analyzing reactions to U.S. programs designed at political change and Cuban succession.  The program also discusses the rejection of the peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The news segment covers doubts about the sincerity of Venezuela's president during the papal negotiations to end the country's political crisis and avert violence.The program includes interviews with:Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Cuban Center for International Political Research (CIPI); andAdam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andAssociate Producer: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsVenezuelaCubadiplomacyeducationThe VaticanNicolas MaduroPope FrancisColombiaUnited StatesembargoJuan Manuel SantosU.S. State DepartmentUSAIDeconomicscorruptionagricultureRaul CastromediaRussiaChinaCanadaFidel Castroeconomic reformMiguel Diaz-CanelplebisciteAlvaro UribeFARCjusticeEuropean Unionhuman rightspeace accord 

Latin Pulse

Latin Pulse: 11.12.2016

 This special edition of Latin Pulse includes a different perspective on the presidential elections in the U.S.: a view from Cuba.  A Cuban professor discusses how the elections could have an impact on the warming relations between the two countries.  The program also discusses the rise of English as a mandated second language in South America and how that could reflect cultural imperialism. The news segment of the program covers the negotiations between opposition parties in Venezuela and the president to avert further protests and a move by the National Assembly to hold an impeachment trial.The program includes interviews with:Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Cuban Center for International Political Research (CIPI); andDJ Kaiser of Webster University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andAssociate Producer: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilVenezuelaCubadiplomacyeducationUruguayThe VaticanNicolas MaduroArgentinaParaguayPeruPope FrancisNicolas MaduroNational AssemblyUnited StatesembargoelectionsreparationsGuantanamoimmigrationBarack ObamaHillary ClintonU.S. CongresscomputersDonald TrumpinternetTed CruzMarco Rubiocultural imperialismindigenous languagesindigenous issuesGuaranitourismbusinesstechnologylinguistics 

Latin Pulse: 11.05.2016

 We celebrate the Latin Pulse five-year anniversary fiesta, with out-takes and excerpts from the past year, a tradition for the program.  The audience's favorite themes are on display.  Those themes include: the clash between the National Assembly and the president in Venezuela; the shift to the right in Argentina; the impeachment trial and corruption scandals in Brazil; and the Feast of San Lazaro and Santeria. The news segment of the program covers the defense by Brazil's President Michel Temer before the United Nations' General Assembly, justifying the impeachment and removal of Dilma Rousseff, an act that brought Temer to power.The program includes interviews with:Eric Hershberg of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS);David Smilde of Tulane University;Matthew Taylor of American University;Chris Sabatini of Columbia University; and Michael Atwood Mason of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andAssociate Producer: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilimpeachmentcorruptionSanteriaPetrobrasVenezuelaDilma RousseffUnited NationsArgentinaCubaUNMichel TemerNicolas MaduroNational AssemblyEduardo CunhajusticeelectionseconomicsAfro-CubansOdebrechtwelfare programsLuiz Inacio Lula da SilvaFernando Henrique CardosoMauricio MacriUnited StatesfinancesSan LazaroreligionAfrica 

Latin Pulse: 9.23.2016

 On Mexico's independence day Latin Pulse focuses this week on key themes for the country: the Drug War, national security, immigration, corruption, justice, and of course, politics. The program includes an in-depth interview tracking the effects of the visit of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump to Mexico.  The program also looks at a new violent uptick in the Drug War, with clashes between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Nueva Generacion Jalisco Cartel. The news segment of the program covers new indictments against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the popular former president of Brazil often just called Lula.The program includes an in-depth interview with:Maureen Myer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andAssociate Producer: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilMexicocorruptionPRIPetrobrasPANDilma RousseffUnited StatesoilprisonsimmigrationMichel TemerPetrobrasoilDrug WarEduardo CunhatradeDonald TrumpCentral Americamediahuman rightsSinaloa CartelWorkers PartyEnrique Pena NietoInstitutional Revolutionary PartyNational Action PartyJoaquin El Chapo GuzmanNueva Generacion Jalisco CartelLuiz Inacio Lula da SilvaviolenceelectionsFelipe Calderonextrajudicial killingsdisappearancesjusticemilitarytorturemassacresAyotzinapapolicediplomacyJoe BidenBarack Obamadrug cartels 

Latin Pulse: 9.16.2016

 Brazil and its various concerns are again on the radar of Latin Pulse this week. First, looks at what is in store for Brazil politically and economically after the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff by the country's Congress. And how will the Temer administration deal with anti-government protests? Also, the program discusses ways to fight the Zika virus, after the disease started in Brazil but has now spread to Central America and beyond. The news segment of the program covers how funds to fight Zika and support research for Zika vaccines are stalled in the U.S. Congress.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Prof. Matthew Taylor of American University; andDr. Reina Turcios-Ruiz of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andTechnical Director: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilimpeachmentZikaGuatemalaHondurasDilma RousseffUnited StatescorruptionPMDBcoupPetrobrasoilMichel TemerPuerto RicoU.S. Senateeconomicshealth issuesCentral AmericaelectionsHarry ReidU.S. CongressWorkers PartyFernando Collor de MelloLuiz Inacio Lula da SilvaCDCmosquitoesbirth defects 

Latin Pulse: 9.09.2016

 The proposed peace treaty dealing with the FARC in Colombia and the deterioration of democracy in Nicaragua are the twin themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program dissects the proposed peace pact between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC by its Spanish acronym) and the Colombian government. Also, the program explores how President Daniel Ortega has manipulated the electoral system in Nicaragua. The news segment of the program covers the end of Dilma Rousseff's presidency as the Brazilian Senate found her guilty of shifting funds without Congressional approval and with misleading the Brazilian Congress.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); andManuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andTechnical Director: Jim Singer. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin Americapolitics BrazilimpeachmentColombiaFARCELNDilma RousseffUnited StatesNicaraguaSandinistasFSLNjusticeVenezuelaMichel Temerpeace treatycivil warjusticeAlvaro UribeDaniel OrtegaelectionsdemocracyUNceasefirePedro ReyesLiberal PartyFidel CastrocrimeJoe BidenUnited Nations businessinfrastructureinequalitytransportationoilracismAfro-Cubansminority issuesHonduras 

Latin Pulse: 9.02.2016

 LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or trans-gender) issues at the Summer Olympics in Rio, along with economics and politics provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program delves into homophobia in Brazil and how Brazilian crowds have reacted to LGBT athletes.  The program also includes an in-depth analysis into the current economic and political issues facing Cuba. The news segment of the program discusses the uptick in Zika cases in Honduras and how newborns are being affected there, while civil society groups call for more access to birth control.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Jim Buzinski of Outsports; andDan Hellinger of Webster University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; andTechnical Director: Jim Singer. *This program includes frank discussion of adult themes related to sexuality and sexual identity. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsOlympicsCubaeconomicsBrazilZikabirth controlUnited StateshomophobiavolleyballsportsrugbyVenezuelahealth issuesLGBT issueshuman rightssoccerwomen's sportsgender issuesmediainternetagriculturetourismRaul Castrohuman rightsFidel Castrocommunismlabor issuesbusinessinfrastructureinequalitytransportationPuerto RicooilracismAfro-Cubansminority issuesHonduras 

Latin Pulse: 8.19.2016

Fútbol (or soccer) at the Olympics and concerns about the military and police in Honduras    provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program provides an in-depth analysis of both the women's and men's fútbol competitions at the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The program also concludes its two-part critique of the Honduran military. The program also discusses the role the military is playing in both the Drug War and in the political sphere in Honduras. The news segment of the program discusses U.S. President Barack Obama's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP).The program includes in-depth interviews with:Joshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University; andOrlando Perez of Millersville University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsOlympicsTPPtradeBrazilColombiaBarack ObamaUnited StatesJuan Orlando HernandezEl Salvadordrug cartelsSoccer WarVenezuelasoccerwomen's sportsgender issuesCentral Americahuman rightsU.S. SenatefútbolCopa AmericamilitarysportsHondurasManuel ZelayapoliceColombiaEcuadorArgentinaDrug WarMexicoChilePortugalGermanycorruptionSwedenNigeriaviolencehomicideGuatemalagangscoup 

Latin Pulse: 8.05.2016

 Venezuela, Colombia, and their simmering problems provide the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth analysis reviewing the state of democracy in Venezuela and how that affects the current crisis situation.  The program also discusses how minority groups (Afro-Colombians and indigenous tribes) have been marginalized as part of the negotiations to end the country's long-running civil war. The news segment of the program covers the inauguration of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski as both Peru's newest and oldest president, along with noting his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP).The program includes in-depth interviews with:Dan Hellinger of Webster University; andGimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsPeruTPPtradeVenezuelaColombiaBarack Obamapeace talksPedro Pablo KuczynskiAfro-Latin American issuesdiplomacyUNfood shortagesfood riotscivil warrecall movementprotest movementcorruptionprotest movementmilitaryUnited StatesNicolas MadurounionsCubaHenrique CaprilesHugo Chavezmediaoilextractive industriesenvironmental issuesindigenous issuesFARCAfro-ColombiansDrug Warminority issuesland reformland minesparamilitariesdemocracymininggoldcorruptionatrocitieshealth issuesmassacresWayuu 

Latin Pulse: 7.29.2016

 An hour-long special covers various issues regarding human rights and democratization on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the various crises affecting Venezuela, including the political and economic situations.  The analysis also includes discussions on the peace process in Colombia and accusations of human rights abuses by the military in Honduras.  The program also includes a review of a book on corruption in Brazil. The news segment of the program covers how El Salvador's Supreme Court struck down the country's amnesty law opening the door to human rights prosecutions linked to the country's civil war.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Dan Hellinger of Webster University; Orlando Perez of Millersville University;Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 60 minutes in length and the file size is 83 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilatrocitiesmassacresviolencecrimehuman rightsEl SalvadorLuiz Inacio Lula da SilvaOrganization of American StatesJuan Orlando HernandezJuan Manuel SantosCarlos Andres PerezmilitaryUNBerta CaceresDilma RousseffU.S. Congresscorruptionprotest movementColombiaPetrobrasSpainJesuitsassassinationseconomicsOASCELACmediaimpeachmentfood shortagesfood riotsrecall movementpolitical repressionHondurasmediaoilUNASURcoupdemocracyauthoritarianismpolicehomicideELNparamilitariesFARCcocaineinfrastructuretortureNicolas MaduroHugo ChavezLuis AlmagroUnited NationsManuel ZelayaDrug Warpeace processUnited StatesWorkers PartyMexico 

Latin Pulse: 7.15.2016

 The Rio Olympics set for this summer in Brazil and their various problems provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes a variety of challenges for these games including security, crime, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental and economic impacts of the games.  The program also discusses the various health issues confronting these games including the zika virus and super bacteria that are present in some of the venues for water events in the Olympics. The news segment of the program covers the resignation of Eduardo Cunha, president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies due to corruption charges.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Andrew Zimbalist of Smith College; andAlex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilOlympicsIOCviolencecrimeEduardo CunhaMichel TemerInternational Olympic CommitteeMexico City OlympicshealthUNRio OlympicsDilma Rousseffzika viruscorruptionprotest movementsportsPetrobraspovertyPMDBpollutionsoccerfutbolenvironmentsailingimpeachmentTlatelolco MassacreWorld Cupsuper bacteriapolitical repressioneconomicstourismpatronageevangelicalsmediazikaMexico 

Latin Pulse: 7.08.2016

Corruption and its corrosive effects on politics in Brazil and international fùtbol/soccer tournaments is the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes the rocky beginnings of the administration of Interim President Michel Temer in Brazil.  The program also provides an analysis of the Copa America in its centennial year, which includes a preview of this weekend's finale between Argentina and Chile.  The news segment of the program covers the historic agreement between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the FARC) and the Colombian government, agreeing to a ceasefire before a permanent peace treaty.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires; andJoshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsBrazilArgentinaColombiaFARCceasefirepeace talksUnited NationsJuan Manuel SantosELNUNCopa AmericaDilma RousseffUnited StatescorruptionWorkers PartyChilePetrobrasoilPMDBVenezuelasoccerfutbolFIFAsportsimpeachmentLionel MessieconomicsmediaUnivision 

Latin Pulse: 6.24.2016

Taking stock of the new leaders in Peru and Argentina is the where our weekly political analysis heads this week on Latin Pulse. The program delves into how Pedro Pablo Kuczynski managed to upset Keiko Fujimori in Peru's presidential race and what a Kuczynski administration will likely mean for Peru.  The program also reviews the opening months of President Mauricio Macri's term in Argentina and how his policy shifts have changed his country.  The news segment of the program covers U.S. President Barack Obama's call for the U.S. Congress to find solutions for the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); andMark Jones of Rice University and the Baker Institute.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsPeruArgentinaelectionsagriculturefinanceKeiko Fujimorihuman rightsU.S. Supreme CourtPedro Pablo KuczynskiCristina Fernandez de KirchnerAlberto FujimoriMauricio MacriNestor KirchnerlaborJapandebt crisisPuerto RicoChilecorruptioneconomicsmilitarytortureBarack ObamaU.S. CongressThe AmazonAlejandro ToledoShining PathDrug WarUnited Statesprotest movementssoybeansbusinessMonsantodiplomacyjusticeoilenergyutilitiesDEAtransportation 

Latin Pulse: 6.17.2016

This week, Latin Pulse goes in-depth on politics and the environment.  The program gives a preview of the United Nations conference on climate set for next month in Peru.  And the program looks ahead to the run-off presidential race in Uruguay set for the end of the month.  The analysis of the race in Uruguay also covers the country's controversial marijuana law. The news segment of the program covers the announcement by President Barack Obama that the government will give relief to unauthorized immigrants and likely five million immigrants will be able to put off deportation for a limited time.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Andrew Miller of Amazon Watch; andChris Sabatini of Americas Quarterly.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andAssociate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaMexicoimmigrationU.S. CongressUruguayclimatePeruUnited StatesChinaenvironmenteconomicsOilUnited Nationsillegal loggingelectionsTabare Vazquezmarijuana tobacco laws EcuadorBrazilpoliticsPetrobrasactivismviolenceVenezuelaMercosurColoradodiplomacyindigenous rights Ashaninka Tribe marijuana legalization Aecio Neves Dilma Rousseff Nicolas Maduro Henrique Capriles health issues extractive industries Jose 'Pepe" Mujica Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou Argentina 

Latin Pulse: 11.21.2014

Human rights violations in Mexico and Guatemala provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program delves into a new report on atrocities in Mexico that have some calling for action by the International Criminal Court.  Analysis includes discussion of some of the worst cases of abuses by security forces in Mexico, including the case of missing students in Guerrero.  The program also discusses moves toward justice in Guatemala for the indigenous Maya, including analysis of the genocide case against former dictator Efrain Rios Montt.  The news segment of the program covers the upset by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski over Keiko Fujimori in the presidential race in Peru.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Eric Witte of the Open Society Justice Initiative; andJo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.)   (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsPeruMexicoelectionsGuatemalaviolenceKeiko Fujimorihuman rightstorturePedro Pablo KuczynskiClaudia Paz y PazEnrique Pena NietoEfrain Rios MonttCentral AmericaZetas CartelDrug Warmilitaryjusticeindigenous issuesUnited NationsimpunitycorruptionAyotzinapaCICIGUNgenociderapeprotest movementgender issuespolicediplomacysexual slavery 

Latin Pulse: 6.10.2016

A weekly analysis of Latin America (politics, culture and more) in a podcast.