This set organizes programs in the "Latin Pulse" series that discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

NAFTA

Espionage and the fallout from the Edward Snowden case are resonating through Latin America and “Latin Pulse” looks closely at the issues.  The program focuses on the conflicts between espionage and diplomacy in the region including more reactions from Brazil this week to the revelations of spying by the National Security Agency (NSA).  The program also looks at the proposed energy and oil reforms under consideration in Mexico.   The news segment of the program reviews the decision in Ecuador to open the Yasuni region to oil drilling.  The program also includes a commentary about marijuana legalization in Uruguay.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Fulton Armstrong of the Center for Latin America & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; and
Duncan Wood of the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson Center.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Alexia Campbell.

The graphic is the symbol of the National Security Agency (NSA) 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


Examining Espionage in Latin America & Oil Politics in Mexico (Lp8232013)

Economic and political reforms in Mexico are the centerpieces of analysis on “Latin Pulse” this week. The program also covers new violence and concerns over the security situation in Mexico.  The analysis spends considerable timing assessing the first year in office of President Enrique Pena Nieto.  The program also includes a repeat of interviews on Mexico and U.S policy to mark the passing of Robert Pastor, former U.S. National Security Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean.  During those retrospective discussions the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and U.S. policy with Venezuela provide the central themes. 

The program includes interviews with:


Duncan Wood of the Wilson Center; and an archival interview with
the late Robert Pastor, formerly of American University. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.

The photo of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is from Iran’s Press TV 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.


Evaluating Mexico's President, NAFTA & U.S. Policies (Lp1162014)

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)

Turmoil and violence in Mexico, both past and present provide the themes this week on "Latin Pulse."  The program discusses the impact of Mexico's drug cartels on the agricultural sector including the trade in limes and avocados. The program analyzes the impact of the Knights Templar cartel on the Mexican state of Michoacan and how the government is trying to fight the violence that cartel breeds. The program also includes a retrospective discussion of the Zapatista revolt, 20 years later.  The news segment of the program covers the changes in Brazil this week regarding regulation of the internet.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Steven Dudley of InSightCrime.org; and
Jorge Luis Sierra, Mexican journalist.  

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and
Writer: Elyssa Pachico. 

The graphic is by Silenthill02 via WikiMedia Commons using a Creative Commons license: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Movimiento_templario.png

“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


Mexico: The Knights Templar Cartel & the Zapatista Revolt 20 Years Later (Lp4252014)

This week, Latin Pulse originates at the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) Congress in Chicago, with a look at both elections and economics in the region.  The program looks forward to the presidential elections in Colombia this weekend and provides a preview of the race.  The program also includes a critique of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Would Mexico have been better off without it? The news segment of the program covers the first visit of John Kerry as secretary of state for the United States to Mexico and discussion of his educational exchange initiative.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Joseph S. Tulchin of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and
Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic & Policy Research (CEPR). 



Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell;  
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and
Writer: Elyssa Pachico


The photo is from the campaign of Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos 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


Presidential Elections in Colombia & Critiquing NAFTA (Lp5232014)

In this special edition of "Latin Pulse," we dip into the holiday spirit, literally, by exploring the spirit of tequila.  The program includes an in-depth discussion of the business and economics surrounding the trade of tequila and how the taste for tequila has changed, propelled by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  The program also includes a tasting and discussion of top shelf tequilas. The news segment of the program looks at the historic proposal this week worked out between the Cuban and U.S. governments regarding discussions of normalizing diplomatic relations after more than 53 years of conflict.


The program includes an in-depth interview with:

Ramses Armendariz of Webster University.

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

The photo is by Eric Driggers of Lake Zurich, IL and is made available through Flickr using a Creative Commons licensing agreement: https://www.flickr.com/photos/imnohero/2345543856/in/photolist-4zgwtj-5eT3WE-5VBpLC-bys2in-76HQN6-5ks865-6RXqBR-akZmyC-bdhAA-65xQqt-6pMMVK-oGTLmL-4F4rU3-bomY7s-8VLUfz-ehWxiU-8VXrsH-6XXGU-cRuP7W-aqoA6W-8WUjv3-3bptsy-65C7hQ-2bwQV-yTWbg-qfAXH-8WUjks-6m55aJ-2bLT3Q-fRVyoG-9E2hUR-29HHY-my87j1-akWtgp-4ByJ52-q2Sf9-6MkThJ-8Hog2Y-8Hog1Y-2Uhyo4-7j4YQd-aoHi1B-5wyB3K-a8zr4E-5mdqGi-61kQMW-CyaMK-HxxnB-xePfY-KTLNB

To see a set list of songs used in the production of this program, please go here: https://app.box.com/shared/static/ldc79rpiv6k4cwcmn62c.pdf

To hear an extended interview with Ramses Armendariz on the topic of tequila you can listen here: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/tequila-extended-interview

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


The Tequila Special (Lp12192014)

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; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


*Clarke's photo essay on the Zapatistas for Business Insider can be found here:  http://www.businessinsider.com/mexican-zapatistas-chiapas-mexico-2014-9


The photo of a road sign in California is from the Iraqi government and is in the public domain.


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


Rejoining the Immigration Debate & Revisiting the Zapatistas (Lp2062015)

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


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


The photo is by Nicholas Laughlin of Trinidad and Tobago via Flickr, through a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholaslaughlin/2306679094/sizes/z/in/photolist-4vQkkd-4ZvmG9-gLmys-5wM5bq-fvh4W-5P2tQV-xdiVQ-6LMEXt-5h7XHk-dGyFE-wFrYK-7iUm1d-e2iwUQ-dZuLLr-5jQ1p2-78HqM9-5XMHx2-9y6GiV-az1qzY-az1qwf-9vpwHi-cfroGS-Q1dZH-dYGfRo-5aRECf-5aMr8c-aezKZ5-dtbkUG-4Fobe8-CWdRM-dnPoQ1-dnPfHK-dnPmHf-dnPjrN-dnPnnb-dnPn4S-dnPjV9-dnPg7B-dnPiZd-dnPhBR-dnPopf-dnPkv1-4ZCwWV-7ywjwQ-9sDHiQ-dSvnvK-PZKZw-bWX7f2-9WA5Vb-bWX7s8-bWX7KR/

Produced in Puerto Rico for release on May 22, 2015.


The program is produced through the support of Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Exploring Puerto Rico & the Special Ties between Mexico and the U.S. (Lp5262015)

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; and
Mauro Guillen of the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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

The graphic is from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and is used through a Creative Commons licensing agreement:  https://act.eff.org/action/don-t-let-congress-fast-track-tpp

Produced for release on June 12, 2015.

The program is produced through the support of Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Finance & Trade: Analyzing the Trans-Pacific Partnership & Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico (Lp6122015)

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)

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)

Beyond the latest on the U.S. Secret Service's Colombian scandal, Latin Pulse looks at corruption and human rights concerns in Brazil, this week.  The program also discusses the new book "The North American Idea," and what it says about U.S.-Mexico relations, NAFTA and other concerns.

In-Depth Interviews:
Matt Taylor of American University, and 
Robert Pastor of American University.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces Gonzatti
Photo by Andre Maceira of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20986960@N04/2424453834/

Corruption in Brazil & "The North American Idea" (Lp4202012)

With the visit of President Barack Obama to Mexico and Central America this week Latin Pulse focuses on the agenda of the United States in the region.  Obama has underlined the importance of trade and economic agreements that will frame this trip.  However, the program also ranges into the issues of immigration and the Drug War that will undoubtedly also be important to this round of diplomacy.  The news segment of the program covers the clash in the Venezuelan National Assembly between the ruling socialist party and the opposition, leaving lawmakers literally bruised and battered.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Manuel Suarez-Mier of American University; and 
Francisco Robles Rivera of the Universidad Nacional and the Universidad de Costa Rica.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Curt Devine. 
The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto and President Barack Obama of the United States an official White House photo by Pete Souza and is in the public domain.


Analyzing Obama's Trip to Mexico & Costa Rica (Lp5022013)

“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.  

NAFTA

LatinPulse