This is a collection of "Latin Pulse" episodes that deal with the topic of diplomacy in Latin America. 

(The photo of Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and President Barack Obama is an official White House photo by Pete Souza and is in the public domain.)

Diplomacy

War and peace are the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth discussion about breakthroughs in the peace process that could end 51 years of civil war in Colombia.  The program also discusses tensions in the border regions between Venezuela and Colombia, and on Venezuela's border with Guyana and what those tensions mean in the current political climate.  The news segment of the program covers new calls for impeachment to remove President Dilma Rousseff from office in Brazil.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
David Smilde of Tulane University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Assistant Producer: Brooklynn Engel.

The photo shows President Raul Castro of Cuba (center) at the peace talks to end the Colombian Civil War with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia (left) and rebel leader Rodrigo (Timoshenko) Londono of the FARC (right). The image is from the Russian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 9, 2015.


Peace Talks for the Civil War in Colombia & Tensions on the Borders of Venezuela (Lp10092015)

Trade, finance and economics provide the main themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program gives an in-depth analysis of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and what obstacles it faces in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system.  The program also reviews the current status of the debt crisis in Puerto Rico and dissects how the island territory piled up billions in debt.  The news segment of the program covers the results of presidential elections in Latin America, with a focus on why the presidential race in Argentina is headed to a second round of voting.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Chris Sabatini of Columbia University & Latin America Goes Global; and
Mauro Guillen of the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership logo is from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 30, 2015.


Evaluating the Trans-Pacific Partnership & Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico (Lp10302015)

Reflections on a special trip to Cuba provide the main themes on Latin Pulse this week.  The program includes interviews with a U.S. delegation on a cultural and educational exchange in Cuba, including the delegation's leader, the former governor of Missouri.  The program also includes viewpoints on the U.S. embargo of Cuba and the possibility of business development on the island.  The discussion ranges through politics, economics and shared interests between the U.S. and Cuba.  The news segment of the program discusses the capture of Syrians using illegal passports in Honduras to possibly enter the U.S. illegally.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bob Holden, former governor of Missouri and now with Webster University; and
Chris Gutierrez, SmartPort of Kansas City.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The photo of a Cuban tourist bus is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Special: Analyzing Cuba & the U.S. from Havana (Lp11202015)

Religion and politics, the so-called taboo subjects provide the central themes for "Latin Pulse" this week.  The program provides a preview of Cuba's favorite religious celebration, the feast day of San Lazaro.  The program explores the mix of faiths that honor that day on Dec. 17, including the practitioners of Santeria and those with Christian beliefs.  The program also goes in-depth on reaction to the surprising landslide win of opposition groups in Venezuela in that country's Congressional elections. The program includes excerpts from an international press conference that analyzes the political scene in Venezuela.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael Atwood Mason, the Director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; and
David Smilde of Tulane University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.
 
*Michael Atwood Mason is also the author, editor, and curator of a cultural blog called Baba Who? Babalu!  http://baba-who-babalu-santeria.blogspot.com/

†David Smilde is also the curator, editor and author of the WOLA blog, Venezuela Politics & Human Rights: http://venezuelablog.tumblr.com/ 

The photo of a woman making the pilgrimage to Rincon during the Feast of San Lazaro celebrations is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.


Cuba and Venezuela: Santeria, the Feast of San Lazaro & Election Results (Lp12112015)

Politics and diplomacy provide the main themes for "Latin Pulse" this week.  The program marks the anniversary of the diplomatic opening between Cuba and the United States with a special interview recorded in Havana.  The program deals with the prospects for the end of the embargo and future business ties between the countries.  The program also follows the complicated corruption scandal in Brazil that has now intersected with the political movement to impeach and unseat President Dilma Rousseff.  The scandal has now evolved into a political crisis as all branches of the Brazilian government are involved in which politicians should be prosecuted and removed from office.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bob Holden, former Governor of Missouri and now with Webster University; and
Matt Taylor of American University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of Presidents Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and Raul Castro of Cuba is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain.


Produced for internet distribution on Dec. 18, 2015.


Politics: The Promise of U.S.-Cuba Relations & Crisis in Brazil (Lp12182015)

Looking ahead at what appear to be the key issues for 2016 in Latin America is the mission for Latin Pulse this week.  The program includes an in-depth and extended discussion with a director of one of the top research centers reviewing Latin American affairs and includes in-depth discussion of Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and United States policy towards the region.  The news segment of the program discusses the move this week to extradite Mexican cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to the United States after he was recaptured in Mexico.

The program includes an in-depth interview with:

Eric Hershberg, the director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The photo of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is from the U.S. government and is in the public domain.



The Political & Economic Forecast for Latin America in 2016 (Lp1152016)

Cuba, diplomacy and the Cuban refugee crisis in Central America provide the primary themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses the diplomatic, business, and tourist openings that continue to improve between Cuba and the United States, including a discussion of new reforms announced this week regarding travel and economic concerns.  The program also shares the view from Central America about the problem of Cuban refugees there.  The news segment of the program covers the alarm this week from health officials about the outbreak of the zika virus in the Western Hemisphere and especially how Brazil is responding.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Eric Hershberg, the director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and 
Carlos Sandoval Garcia of the Universidad de Costa Rica.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of Cuban refugees in silhouette at the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Cuba: Improving Relations & the Refugee Question (Lp1292016)

War and peace in Colombia and Mexico provide the key themes on "Latin Pulse" this week. The program updates the status of the long-running peace talks in the 51-year-old civil war in Colombia.  This discussion includes fears that different rebel groups will supplant the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the FARC).  The program also analyzes the problems of human rights and corruption in Mexico as that country tries to successfully prosecute its part in the Drug War. The news segment of the program covers the feud between Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Vicente Fox, the former president of Mexico, over Trump's immigration proposals.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of FARC guerrillas is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


The Search for Peace in Colombia & Drug War Concerns in Mexico (Lp3042016)

President Barack Obama and his historic trip to Cuba provide the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes news about various details of Obama's trip to Cuba and Argentina, and in-depth analysis of the political, human rights, and business changes resonating through both countries after the trip.  Although only minor initiatives were signed during the state visit, Obama's trip provides a symbolic touchstone for moving forward on improving the human rights climate in Cuba, discussing what to do with the U.S. economic embargo and resolving the issue of Guantanamo.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Bill LeoGrande of American University; and
Chris Gutierrez of KC SmartPort.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro is from the U.S. government and is in the public domain.


Obama and his Historic Trip to Cuba: In-Depth Analysis (Lp3252016)

Politics in Brazil and diplomacy with Argentina provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program examines the meltdown of the administration of President Dilma Rousseff in Brazil as she copes with a major corruption scandal and the threat of impeachment due to charges she abused her powers.  The program unravels what is behind the charges of abuse of power against not just Rousseff, but also former President Lula and other top politicians.  The program also provides an analysis of President Obama's trip to Argentina and why it was met with mixed results by Argentines.


Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Chris Sabatini of Columbia University and Latin America Goes Global.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and President Mauricio Macri of Argentina is an edited photo from Agência Brasil, which offers its materials as part of a Creative Commons licensing agreement. 


Political Crisis in Brazil & the Aftereffects of the Obama Trip to Argentina (Lp4012016)

Another push to recall a president and the power of remittances provide the twin themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes the latest moves with diplomacy and electoral laws to recall President Nicolas Maduro or at least restore some balance to the eroded democratic system in Venezuela.  The program reviews the debate between Argentina and Venezuela at the Organization of American States (OAS).  The program also includes the second part of our extended look at the links between remittances and globalization.  The news segment of the program includes the latest developments regarding the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) & the Woodrow Wilson Center ; and
Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer.


The photo of Gov. Henrique Capriles of the Venezuelan opposition with a presidential recall petition is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Presidential Recall in Venezuela & the Power of Remittances (Lp5062016)

Puerto Rico and Mexico provide the central locales for the main themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes a proposal before the U.S. Congress to help Puerto Rico survive its debt crisis. But the proposal includes a fiscal control board that can supersede the powers of Puerto Rico's government, a provision that some find controversial. The program also includes a wide ranging discussion of corruption, politics and diplomacy with Mexico. The news segment of the program covers the outcome of the presidential elections in the Dominican Republic and the re-election of President Danilo Medina.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations; and
Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The photo from Puerto Rico comes via the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico & the Politics of Diplomacy with Mexico (Lp5202016)

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. 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; and
Jo-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.

The photo of a protest in Mexico is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Human Rights: Seeking Justice in Mexico & Guatemala (Lp6102016)

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); and
Mark Jones of Rice University and the Baker Institute.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.

The photo of Pedro Pablo Kuczynksi is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Presidential Politics: Analyzing the Election in Peru & Policy Changes in Argentina (LP6172016)

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.

The photo of anti-government protesters marching due to the lack of food supplies in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Special: Crisis in Venezuela; the Peace Process in Colombia; and Brazillionaires (LP7152016)

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; and
Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and 
Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin.


The photo of an anti-government protester in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Venezuela in Crisis & Indigenous and Afro-Colombian Views of Colombia's Peace Talks (LP7292016)

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; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 


The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.


“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Rick Rockwell's Album

Mexico: The Drug War, Corruption & Politics (Lp9162016)

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; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

Excerpts and out-takes from this program came from these popular programs:

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/cuba-venezuela-santeria-feast-san-lazaro-election-results-lp12112015

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-crisis-brazil-aftereffects-obama-trip-argentina-lp4012016 

https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-economic-forecast-latin-america-2016-lp1152016




“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Anniversary V: Outstanding Out-Takes & Excerpts (Lp9232016)

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 Center for International Political Research (CIPI); and
DJ Kaiser of Webster University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

The photo of Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Special: The U.S. Elections, the Cuban View & Education in South America (Lp11052016)

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); and
Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Jim Singer. 

The photo of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Cuban President Raul Castro and FARC leader Rodrigo (Timochenko) Londoño Echeverri at the signing of a preliminary peace agreement is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Special: The Cuban Perspective & Derailing Peace in Colombia (Lp11122016)

“Latin Pulse” is a weekly program that reviews news from Latin America and analyzes politics, culture, religion, and important issues throughout the region. This weekly podcast is distributed by Link TV, iTunes, and, of course, SoundCloud.  

Diplomacy

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