Ecuador is undergoing a profound political and security transformation. Once regarded as one of the more stable countries in Latin America, it now faces escalating violence, institutional strain and growing political tension. In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Samuele Mazzolini, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow and researcher at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and FLACSO Ecuador, about the forces reshaping Ecuador under President Daniel Noboa. The discussion examines the rapid expansion of organised crime, the fragmentation of local gangs, the limits of the government’s security strategy and the broader weakening of state institutions. We also look at Noboa’s increasingly confrontational political style, tensions with Colombia, and the growing role of the United States in Ecuador’s security landscape. As insecurity spreads beyond the country’s traditional hotspots and public frustration rises, the episode asks a broader question: what has happened to Ecuador’s stability, and where is the country heading next? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we explore recent political developments in Mexico, including US indictments of Mexican politicians, the influence of organised crime, and the implications for Mexico-US relations. Guest expert Tony Payan provides deep insights into the complex web of politics, crime, and international pressure. Tony Payan, PhD, is the Claudio X. Gonzalez Fellow in US-Mexico Studies, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies, and the executive director of the Claudio X. González Center for the US and Mexico at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He is also a professor of social sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. We look at events rapidly unfolding in Mexico and put them into context for President Sheinbaum as the country approaches elections in 2027 and amid signs of strain within the Morena party. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Colombia's political landscape is gearing up for another crucial election, and with it comes a myriad of questions and debates. Why is this election significant, and how do the political parties stack up against one another?  In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we delve into insights shared by Sandra Borda, an esteemed political analyst and Associate Professor of Political Science at the Department of Global Studies and Political Science at the University of Los Andes in Bogota, discussing the current state of Colombian politics and what voters should keep in mind. Colombia's upcoming elections are pivotal yet nuanced. While they present important choices for voters regarding social and public policies, the election may not be as groundbreaking as past ones. We look at the three main candidates of Paloma Valencia and Aberlardo de La Espriella on the right and Iván Cepeda on the left. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Brazil's political landscape is fraught with complexities as the elections approach. The Banco Master scandal poses significant challenges for Lula's campaign, even as the economy shows signs of improvement. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting the outcomes of the elections and the future of Brazilian governance. As developments unfold, it will be essential for voters to critically assess the narratives surrounding the candidates and the implications for the country. And, polls suggest a tight race, indicating that Flávio Bolsonaro - son of former president Jair Bolsonaro - is neck and neck with Lula as they head into the October elections. This week on The LatinNews Podcast, we talk to André Borges, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Brasilia and one of the editors of: "The Recasting of the Latin American Right: Polarization and Conservative reactions." Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the ever-shifting landscape of Peruvian politics, understanding the roots of current instability is crucial. With a staggering eight presidents since 2018, the question looms: how did we get here? In The LatinNews Podcast this week, we explore the historical context, the key players involved, and the implications for Peru's future. Join Richard McColl for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Julio Carrión - specialist in Latin American and Comparative Politics and Professor at the University of Delaware - on the political instability, history, and economic dynamics of Peru, including the legacy of Fujimori, recent elections, and international influences. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

On this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we dive into the complex landscape of Venezuela's political and economic situation following the recent changes in leadership. With insights from Phil Gunson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group based in Caracas, we explore what’s happening on the ground, the implications of U.S. involvement, and the challenges ahead for the Venezuelan people. Phil Gunson provides a unique perspective on the atmosphere in Caracas after the leadership change. While many celebrate Maduro's departure, the existing power structures remain largely intact, leading to a cautious optimism among the populace. The release of political prisoners and reforms in the oil industry are significant steps, but the question remains: can these changes lead to a genuine political transition? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we assess Cuba’s deepening economic crisis under intensifying US pressure and ask a central question: does severe hardship necessarily lead to regime collapse? The grinding strategy targeting oil supplies has sharply reduced fuel availability, paralysed transport and worsened daily life on the island. Yet despite visible deterioration, public order remains intact and the Cuban state continues to function. Joining us is Dr Jorge Domínguez, retired professor at Harvard University and a leading expert on Cuba, who has just returned from Havana. Drawing on first-hand observations, he examines the gap between economic collapse narratives and the resilience of the Cuban state. We discuss the evolving nature of US pressure, the distinction between embargo and blockade, China and Russia’s limited roles, the political durability of the regime under President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the possible short-term scenarios ahead. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In a far-reaching conversation, this week on The LatinNews Podcast, we take a look ahead over 2026 and the possible implications and consequences of US policy towards Latin America. We ask, how does the US government justify working with a Venezuelan regime that so profoundly espouses the idea of 21st century socialism? Is there any move towards a restoration of democracy in Venezuela? How will President Trump's relationship with President Sheinbaum in Mexico develop and evolve? Will the US intervene in elections in Brazil, Colombia and Peru? And what of Cuba? Joining us this week is Jon Bonfiglio, an analyst and journalist based in Latin America and specialising in the region. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Costa Rica has long been the envy of its neighbors in Central America, enjoying economic stability and growth, dependency and security. As we approach the first round of Presidential elections on 1 February 2026, citizens now face the key question of whether they cast their vote for continuity or change? On The LatinNews Podcast this week, we sit down with Ronald Alfaro Redondo, Professor of Political Science at the University of Costa Rica and researcher at the State of the Nation program, to discuss the upcoming elections and the legacy of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. We talk about the strength of Costa Rica's democracy, the homicide crisis affecting the country, security, the state of the traditional political parties, foreign policy and relations with the United States and the environment. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In our first episode of 2026, we take a look at Chile under president-elect José Antonio Kast who is due to be sworn into office in March 2026, marking a significant swing to the Right in the Andean nation. Joining us on The LatinNews Podcast this week is Lucia Dammert, Professor of International Relations at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile. We discuss how Kast won the elections so convincingly and what were the failures of President Gabriel Boric. Will Kast open lithium to private investors, what are his solutions to rising crime in Chile and will he carry out mass expulsions of immigrants, as promised during the campaign trail. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.