Latin Pulse

Violence and salvation are the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The alarming rise in homicide rates in El Salvador catches our attention and the program discusses the causes and how the government is reacting to the rise in gang-related violence.  The reaction seems to be extrajudicial killings and the return of death squads.  The program also includes an analysis about the shift of religious beliefs in Latin America, including the rise of evangelicals and religious pluralism. The news segment of the program covers the latest votes related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and special trade authority for President Barack Obama.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Hector Silva of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; andAndrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minu

Trade and financial concerns provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse as the program focuses on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.  With the U.S. Congress split over the TPP, the program debriefs an economic expert on how the proposed trade pact will have an impact on jobs in Latin America, the U.S. and Asia too.  The program also unravels the key issues related to the debt problems of Puerto Rico. The news segment of the program covers the ongoing debate between Argentina and the U.K. over disputed islands in the South Atlantic.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Rob Scott of the Economic Policy Institute; andMauro Guillen of the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLati

Violence provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse as the program looks at troubles in Colombia and El Salvador. In Colombia, as the country's civil war turns the corner on 51 years of pain, the peace process seems stalled as violence escalates in the war.  In El Salvador, violence levels are higher than they have been in more than 20 years.  The news segment of the program covers how women demonstrated across South America this week to call attention to the high levels of violence aimed at them and the need for laws to combat the problem.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Winifred Tate of Colby College; andHector Silva of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaColombiapoliticsviolencemed

Originating in Puerto Rico again this week, Latin Pulse looks at issues of identity, the media and politics on both the island and in Mexico. The program discusses how U.S. and Latino media often homogenize programming and forget the Puerto Rican experience.  The program also reveals how in Mexico, issues of equity and media corruption distort the political debate.  How do the political left and right find space for debate in a system dominated by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (the PRI).  The news segment of the program covers set backs in the peace process for the Colombian civil war.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Federico Subervi of Kent State University; andManuel Alejandro Guerrero of the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLa

Originating in Puerto Rico this week, Latin Pulse takes a look at the status of the island and whether there is movement forward on a change to statehood or independence.  The program also covers the issues of identity, culture and economics facing the island commonwealth.  The program also delves into the special relationship the U.S. has developed with Mexico and how trade pacts and economic reforms have brought the countries closer.  The news segment of the program deals with the latest charges and counter-charges related to allegations that powerful leaders in Venezuela are connected to the drug trade.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Maria Acosta Cruz of Clark University; andShannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericaMexi

What happens when you mix drug cartels with religion? This week, Latin Pulse explores the rise of narco-religion in Mexico.  The discussion includes a heady mix of discussion regarding the veneration of Catholic saints by violent criminals but also the rise of the devotion of folk saints such as Santa Muerte.  The program also discusses curanderos and the use of witchcraft by the cartels.  The news segment of the program covers the outbreak of violence in student protests in Chile; the protestors are calling for more equity in higher education in the country.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University; andTim Knab of the Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin America MexicoreligionChilestudents

This week, Latin Pulse concludes its spring series of programs looking at the roiling political waters in Venezuela. Experts on the program look at the use of conspiracy theories and how they are used to make propaganda gains and control the political discourse.  The program also discusses the breakdown of democratic institutions in the country and the credibility of elections. The news segment of the program covers accusations by the head of the Venezuelan National Assembly that he expects the political opposition to use fraud to make political gains in elections for the assembly later this year.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Hugo Perez Hernaiz* of the Universidad Central de Venezuela; andMichael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)*Hugo Perez Hernaiz is also the author of the Venezuela

Justice, human rights and immigration policy regarding Central America provide the triple themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program focuses on the extradition case of Inocente Montano, a former colonel and leader for the Salvadoran military during El Salvador's civil war.  Spanish authorities want Montano sent to Spain to face human rights charges connected to the massacre of Jesuit priests at a university in San Salvador.  The program also looks at Congressional concerns over U.S. immigration policy in Central America. The news segment of the program reviews the controversial trade mission to Cuba of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); andEric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 M

Memories and reviews of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his work take center stage this week on Latin Pulse as this week marks a year since the death of this winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. The program traces Garcia Marquez from his beginnings as a journalist through his fame as an author setting an example for writers worldwide.  The program also discusses the writer's ties to Cuba. The news segment of the program reviews the outcome of the Summit of the Americas and Panama and how the United States and Cuba continue working toward normalized diplomatic relations.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Gustavo Arango of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta; andNuria Vilanova of American University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock; andAnnouncer: Guillermo Rodriguez.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin Americad

The United States and its participation in the Summit of the Americas this weekend provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. Although the summit has a specific agenda to deal with economic inequality in Latin America, experts expect that diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba, and U.S. relations with Venezuela will dominate what happens at this meeting. The news segment of the program covers deportations and extraditions concerning former members of the Salvadoran military who sought asylum from prosecution on human rights charges stemming from their actions in the Salvadoran Civil War.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center; andPeter Hakim of the Inter-American Dialogue.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericadiplomacypoliticsArgentinamilitaryimm

Judaism, anti-semitism, and Argentina provide the main themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program revisits the mysterious case of the death of Alberto Nisman, a special prosecutor looking at terrorism cases that may have links to Iran.  The program discusses how the Nisman case continues to provide a crisis atmosphere in Argentina.  Also, the program reflects on the history of Judaism in Latin America and the various waves of prejudice that the Jewish population of the region has weathered. The news segment of the program covers the latest round of diplomacy between Cuba and the United States regarding human rights.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations; andMarjorie Agosin of Wellesley College.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLa

The arts and the internet in Cuba provide the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program includes an in-depth discussion with two of Cuba's leaders in the arts, discussing artistic freedom and freedom of expression, along with the cultural themes of their work in the theater. The program also discusses the development of the internet and dissident media in Cuba. The news segment of the program covers the rise in tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, and the U.K.'s plans to modernize its defenses on the islands.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Flora Lauten & Raquel Carrio of Cuba's Teatro Buendia; andTed Henken of Baruch College of the City University of New York (CUNY).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Sierra Hancock.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericadissidentsCubaYoani Sanc

The martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador provides the theme this week on Latin Pulse.  The program includes discussions of the philosophical debate embodied in the stalled progress of Romero's status as an official Catholic martyr.  The program also includes a discussion of Vatican politics that stretches over the past 30 years.  The program also includes reflections on U.S. policy and how it sparked a climate of violence in Central America.  The news segment of the program covers the controversial economic sanctions from the United States aimed at Venezuela and how that move was condemned by UNASUR.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Jeanette Rodriguez of Seattle University; andAndrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastn

Two years after the death of Hugo Chavez, this week Latin Pulse reviews the legacy of this polarizing political figure and what policies from the Chavez era still affect the current state of affairs in Venezuela. The program includes analysis on the handling of politics and economics by the government of President Nicolas Maduro and whether that government is now slipping into authoritarianism as it jails members of opposition groups.  The news segment of the program tracks the successful arrests this past week in Mexico and Bolivia of both drug cartel leaders and those in government working with illegal organizations.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Hugo Perez Hernaiz* of the Universidad Central de Venezuela & the Venezuelan Politics & Human Rights blog; andDan Hellinger of Webster University.Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.)  *Hugo Perez Hernaiz is also the

Turmoil in Venezuela and the progress in the peace talks for the civil war in Colombia are the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. The first half of the program analyzes the politics surrounding the arrest of Mayor Antonio Ledezma of Caracas and how that arrest has drawn international reaction.  The second half of the program tracks the ongoing talks attempting to end the 51-year-old war in Colombia.  The news segment of the program covers the latest in the case of Alberto Nisman in Argentina and how a judge has set aside an indictment against the country's president.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); andAdam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.)&nb

China and its economic and geopolitical strategy and cultural influence provide the central themes for this week's edition of Latin Pulse. The first half of the program examines the trade and economic issues connected to China's strategies in Latin America.  And the program debates the response of the U.S. to this economic expansion.  The second half of the program examines the history and cultural influence of Chinese emigration to Peru.  The news segment of the program covers the protests this week against the handling of the investigation into the death of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman in Argentina.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Mark Jones of Rice University; Kevin Gallagher of Boston University;Larry Clayton of the University of Alabama; and Adam McKeown, author of Chinese Migrant Networks and Cultural Change. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.

Mystery and celebration are the twin themes of Latin Pulse this week. The mystery is provided through an analysis of the complex case regarding the death of Alberto Nisman, a special prosecutor in Argentina.  The program sorts through the case linked to the bombing of a Jewish community center in the 1990s.  The celebration theme comes in the form of Carnival in Brazil. The news segment of the program discusses how the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team has cast doubt on the explanation of the Mexican government regarding 43 missing students, a case that has galvanized a protest movement in Mexico.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Fulton Armstrong*, of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and Rachel Glickhouse, author of the Rio Gringa blog. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.*More from Fulton Armstrong on the Nisman case can be found here.(To download or stream this pod

The debate over immigration in the U.S. took center stage in Washington, DC, and with the U.S. Congress this week, and that provides one of the main themes for this edition of Latin Pulse this week. The program looks at the historical context of the immigration debate and analyzes the potential for progress on immigration reform.  The program also provides an update on the Zapatistas in Chiapas and discusses the problems that they face with violence and repression. The news segment of the program looks the series of hearings this week regarding diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Susan Martin, director of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM); and Giles Clarke* of Getty Images Reportage. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.*Clarke's photo essay on the Zapatistas for Business Insider can be found here.(To download or stream this podcast, click

The tensions within U.S. policy toward Cuba provide the main focus on Latin Pulse this week. The program analyzes how domestic politics in the United States continue to have an effect on the diplomatic changes in Cuba.  The program also focuses on the continuation of controversial democracy building programs from USAID, aimed at Cuba. The news segment of the program looks at the complex case in Argentina linking the country's spy agency and the murder of a special prosecutor.  The program covers the surprise reaction of the country's president this week.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Eric Hershberg, director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and Sujatha Fernandes of the City University of New York (CUNY). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) 

The historic changes between Cuba and the United States are rolling out but the Obama administration is also making aggressive diplomatic moves throughout Latin America.  That strategic shift provides the centerpiece for discussion on Latin Pulse this week. The program takes a wide-ranging view of the geopolitical situation in Latin America and provides a preview of the summit next week of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).  The news segment of the program focuses on the negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba and President Barack Obama's policy pronouncements on Cuba.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); andMichael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; Engineering Support: Zach Kromer; andProduction Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (Th