This set organizes programs of the "Latin Pulse" series that deal in depth or in some significant mention with Hugo Chavez, the former president of Venezuela and his legacy to his country and Latin America. 

The file photo of Chavez is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Hugo Chavez

The power, politics, and economics behind oil in Latin America provide the central focus on Latin Pulse this week.  The program goes in-depth on Venezuelan oil production and what it has meant for that country.  The role oil has played in the further militarization of Venezuela is also a key theme explored in the discussion.  The program also discusses political reforms in Mexico meant to revive oil production there and the latest regarding oil reserves in both Brazil and Colombia. The news segment of the program looks at unrest in Venezuela led by the political opposition and the student movement.

The program includes interviews with:


Jeff Colgan of American University; and 
Ramon Espinasa of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo is from Mexico's Pemex and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.


The Power & Economics of Oil in Latin America (Lp2142014)

The violent protests that have rocked Venezuela this month provide the central theme this week on Latin Pulse.  The program analyzes the politics of both the opposition and the government of President Nicolas Maduro.  In reflection, the program also looks at the legacy of the late President Hugo Chavez who died almost a year ago. The news segment of the program covers the latest in the Drug War in Mexico with the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa Cartel. The program also includes a commentary about telenovelas and machismo.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


David Smilde of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and the University of Georgia; and
Julia Buxton of Central European University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Repoter: Zach Cohen; and
Associate Producer: Rae Daniel.
The photo is by Marquinam via Flickr, using a Creative Commons License: https://www.flickr.com/photos/7665303@N02/12683579385/in/photolist-kjNEgc

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Venezuela: Discussing the Protest Movement & Memorializing Chavez (Lp2282014)

Elections and politics in Central America provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The program looks at the politics and topics driving this weekend's elections in El Salvador.  The program also covers the political and electoral topography in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.  The program compares the economic climate in El Salvador and how they differ from neighboring Honduras, and why that makes El Salvador a different and more stable political system.  The news segment of the program covers the diplomatic spat between Venezuela, Panama and the United States, and the anti-government protests that have sparked the diplomatic disputes.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and 
John Booth of the University of North Texas.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo of Salvador Sanchez Ceren campaigning is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Elections: Voting in El Salvador & Politics in Central America (Lp3072014)

Issues of democratization in Venezuela and Cuba provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  The controversy over whether the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) overstepped its proper functions by sponsoring a secret communications program in Cuba provides one of this week's debatable topics.  Latin Pulse also interviews one of the key leaders of Venezuela's protest movement and debates whether that movement represents free speech or an anti-democratic method to seize power. This week's commentary reviews a landmark case of lesbian rights in Chile and how that might be applied to an upcoming case in the Dominican Republic.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Phil Brenner of American University; and
Rodrigo Diamanti of El Mundo Sin Mordaza.  


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo is by Torsten Bangerter via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tbangerter/13553513954/sizes/z/in/photolist-mDFiv5-kmX6x5-kruvGF-kmS1i6-kmQP4g-kmrZaV-kSgJLy-kSgGyC-kSeYcM-kSeZSv-kSgM8Y-ku18eU-ktXEVg-6ausJ5-6ausnd-6auqhS-6aqihV-6aur8A-6auqDA-6auru3-6aqiuc-6aqhkr-6ausx7-6aqjDx-6aut9G-6aqgt4-6ausWE-6auquj-6aqi9c-6aurFo-6aqh9i-6aurj9-kRoDFA-kRoPUw-kRmN6g-kRp5ud-kRn5Ce-kRnzuR-kRnHr2-kRmLwV-kRnph6-kRoF8d-kRp4s3-kRmKnk-kRnUQV-kRn4xi-kRmVFr-kRnKs6-kRn2Sp-kRnr2Z-kRnAJK/

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Cuba & Venezuela: Issues of Free Speech and Democratization (Lp4112014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" covers a variety of topics, including the crackdown on the protest movement in Venezuela and corruption tainting police in El Salvador.  The segment on Venezuela reviews the opinions of one of the leaders of the opposition protest movement who has also been influential with the country's student protestors too.  The Salvadoran segment traces the history of the national police and how criminal organizations infiltrated the police during the past generation.  The news segment of the program covers the visit of Uruguay's President Jose "Pepe" Mujica to Washington, D.C. and his discussion of health issues and human rights.  The program also includes a commentary on the failure of marriage equality in Colombia.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Rodrigo Diamanti of El Mundo Sin Mordaza; and
Hector Silva of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.


The photo is by Marquinam via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marquinam/13155160395/


“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm



Cracking Down on Protests in Venezuela & Police Corruption in El Salvador (Lp5162014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" focuses on elections in South America.  With elections coming in Bolivia and Uruguay next month, the program looks at the leading candidates and key issues in the races.  The segment on Bolivia also discusses the long-time popularity of President Evo Morales.  The program also discusses indigenous groups and politics in Bolivia. The segment on Uruguay analyzes the political return of former President Tabare Vazquez. The news segment deals with the murder in Peru of an environmental activist, with suspicions the murder is linked to illegal logging.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Sinclair Thomson of New York University; and
Gabriela Santini of TeleDoce in Uruguay.


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


Some audio material in this program is made available via Peru's Utero through a Creative Commons license: http://utero.pe/2014/09/10/quizas-nunca-escuchaste-de-edwin-chota-pero-el-asesinato-de-este-lider-ashaninka-ha-conmovido-al-mundo/


The photo of President Evo Morales is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: http://www.webster.edu/

Elections: Presidential Campaigns in Bolivia & Uruguay (Lp9122014)

This week, Latin Pulse focuses on the presidential elections and debate over indigenous rights in Bolivia. Evo Morales, Bolivia's popular president runs for a third term in office against Samuel Doria Medina. If Morales wins a third term, what will that mean for diplomacy with the United States? The latter half of the program reflects on the emergence of indigenous rights in Bolivia and how that runs against the trend of suppression of indigenous political power. The news segment covers the disappearance of students in Mexico and the controversy it has caused.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Forrest Hylton of Northwestern University; and
Rob Albro of American University. 

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

The photo is from the Facebook page of President Evo Morales’ re-election campaign and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Indigenous Issues: Elections in Bolivia & Politics in the Post-Colonial Era (Lp10102014)

This week, Latin Pulse focuses on Argentina's debt crisis. A federal judge in the U.S. is holding Argentina in contempt for failing to come up with a plan that satisfies all of its creditors from a default in 2001.  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled it would not review the case, thus upholding the lower court decisions on the bond repayments.  That decision triggered a second default.  This case holds implications not only for Argentina's economic future, but for the position of financial outlets in New York. This week's news segment covers the victory claims of President Evo Morales in Bolivia.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Peter Schechter of the Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center of the Atlantic Council; and
Leslie Armijo of Portland State University. 


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

The photo is from the Jubilee Debt Campaign via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dropthedebt/8510417429/in/photolist-dY37AZ-dY8PQ1-dY38MK-dY37UB-dY8Pz1-afJqvr-bzmhTp-aVEr1D-xJbZs-mjTXmK-dnW6Bf-ffKBKp-84ZPw-83SukG-bGhLtk-ksfMZn-74cmNP-gnFi7K-8SeoTZ-4PQkJS-ohKaYh-dSQMNf-dSR2Rs-oJU4o6-ow75r8-nQTpmd-nyy8ae-nR2TEz-nSPnEK-nQTpwU-fJ8aXS-4PQm2L-c7nZ7w-p7NiBu


The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Analyzing the Debt Crisis in Argentina (Lp10172014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" rejoins its analysis of Venezuela with a focus on the political and economic debate there.  With the U.S. levying economic sanctions on the country due to human rights violations, the opposition and protests movements again take center stage in the debate.  The program also looks at the issues of justice regarding accusations leveled at opposition politicians and the jailing of Leopoldo Lopez.  The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the development of the current form of Venezuelan government and how the death of President Hugo Chavez continues to be felt in amidst the current crisis.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Alejandro Velasco* of New York University; and
Dan Hellinger of Webster University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.
 
*Velasco is also the author of the forthcoming book, Barrio Rising: http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520283329

The photo of President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Venezuela: Politics, Justice & Democracy (Lp12122014)

Venezuela, its economy, and its structure as a petro-state are the central themes this week on Latin Pulse.  As Venezuela slips into recession and shortages of consumer goods become more acute, criticism of the government of President Nicolas Maduro is increasing.  The program looks at the patterns of how oil prices have often dictated the popularity of presidents and the shape of politics in Venezuela.  The news segment of the program covers the meeting this week between U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and how protests broke out in the United States due to the visit.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Dan Hellinger of Webster University; and
Alejandro Velasco* of New York University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


*Velasco is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Barrio Rising:"  http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520283329

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

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Venezuela: Petro-State (Lp1092015)

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); and
Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


The photo of protests in Venezuela is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain.


Produced for release on Feb. 27, 2015.


The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Political Turmoil in Venezuela & Searching for an End to the Civil War in Colombia (Lp2272015)

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; and
Dan Hellinger of Webster University.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


  *Hugo Perez Hernaiz is also the author of the "Venezuela Conspiracy Theories Monitor" blog: http://venezuelaconspiracytheories.blogspot.com/
"Venezuelan Politics and Human Rights" can be found here: http://venezuelablog.tumblr.com/

The photo of Hugo Chavez is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on March 6, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Venezuela: Coup Conspiracies & Remembering Hugo Chavez (Lp3062015)

Debating conditions in Venezuela provides a special topic this week on "Latin Pulse," as the program provides an extended time for a diplomatic representative of the Bolivarian government to respond to questions. Beyond an official representative of the Venezuelan government a left-wing critic of the government also discusses his view that Venezuela is slipping into autocracy. The news segment of the program covers the call this week for further investigations into illegal domestic spying in Colombia and the sentencing of former government officials to long prison sentences for ordering such illegal activities.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza, Consul General for the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela; and
James Bloodworth, editor of Left Foot Forward.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock.


The photo of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on May 1, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Special: Debating Venezuela and Authoritarianism (Lp5012015)

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; and
Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock.

The photo of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on May 8, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Venezuela: Politics, Plots and Propaganda (Lp5082015)

It's the fourth anniversary of "Latin Pulse," and the program celebrates in its own way:  a medley of out-takes and pithy comments from the most popular programs of the past year. The topics on the program range from a review of the crisis of unaccompanied minors on the U.S.-Mexico border to covering various fronts in the Drug War.  The program also includes segments on the economic impact of China on Latin America.  The news segment of the program covers the aftereffects of the earthquake in Chile that saw a million people evacuate their homes.


The program includes interview segments with:

Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center; 
Jo Tuckman of The Guardian;
Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime;
Mark Jones of Rice University;
Kevin Gallagher of Boston University; and
Ignacio Siles of the Universidad de Costa Rica.


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


Produced for release on Sept. 18, 2015.


Anniversary IV: Outstanding Out-Takes & Memorable Excerpts (Lp9182015)

Politics and the competencies of governments in Venezuela and Brazil are the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth discussion about the state of democracy in Venezuela and how it has deteriorated due to crackdowns on opposition leaders.  The program also includes a discussion of the political repercussions of the Petrobras corruption scandal in Brazil and further calls for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.  The news segment of the program covers the murder of an activist for transgender rights in Argentina.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

David Smilde of Tulane University; and
Carlos Pereira of the Getulio Vargas Foundation.


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


The photo shows President Nicolas Maduro (left) meeting with President Dilma Rousseff (right). The photo is by Roberto Stuckert for the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 16, 2015.


Politics: Deteriorating Democracy in Venezuela & Corruption Fallout in Brazil (Lp10162015)

Politics in Venezuela and Bolivia provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes the political fights between Venezuela's new National Assembly and President Nicolas Maduro, often with the Venezuelan Supreme Court reinforcing the president's positions. The program also provides a preview of the important referendum in Bolivia that could extend the term of President Evo Morales. The news segment of the program covers Pope Francis and his recent trip to Mexico, including his scolding of Mexican bishops due to corruption, his condemnation of Donald Trump, and his reaction to the Zika virus.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and
Rob Albro also of (CLALS).


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


The photo of President Evo Morales of Bolivia and President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Politics: Tensions in Venezuela & Constitutional Debate in Bolivia (Lp2192016)

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)

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); and
Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. 

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

The photo of celebrations about the proposed peace treaty in Colombia 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/


Rick Rockwell's Album

The FARC Peace Treaty in Colombia & Politics in Nicaragua (Lp9022016)

“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.  

Hugo Chavez

LatinPulse