This set includes discussion of the various protest movements across Latin America.  

The photo of protests in Brazil is from Agência Brasil, which makes it's material available online using a Creative Commons license:  http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/

Protest Movements

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)

War and politics provide the themes on Latin Pulse, this week, as the program tunes in to events in Guatemala and Colombia. The first segment of the program discusses the complex political matrix in Guatemala as the country heads toward presidential elections and what effects the anti-corruption protests in the country might have on that process.  The second part of the program examines how U.S. policies have affected the conduct of the civil war in Colombia. The news segment of the program gives details of the prison escape by Joaquin "El Chapo Shorty" Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa Cartel.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Julie Lopez of Plaza Publica; and
Winifred Tate of Colby College.


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

The graphic is from the LIDER Party of Guatemala and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on July 17, 2015.

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



Politics in Guatemala & Assessing the Civil War in Colombia (Lp7172015)

The seismic political shift in Guatemala provides the focus this week on Latin Pulse. The program covers both the resignation of President Otto Perez Molina due to a corruption scandal and the presidential elections that will have the country voting on new leaders this weekend.  The program analyzes the impact of the United Nations' International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG, by its Spanish acronym) in uncovering corruption and supporting the justice system.  The program also provides a preview of the elections and how the issue of corruption has become the centerpiece of that process too.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Adriana Beltran of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA);
and
Julie Lopez of Plaza Publica.


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

The photo of Otto Perez Molina, the former president of Guatemala, is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Sept. 4, 2015.


Guatemala: Presidential Resignation & New Elections (Lp9042015)

Brazil and its struggles with corruption and development provides the central focus on Latin Pulse this week. The program discusses in detail the various corruption scandals that have created political gridlock in Brazil.  The program also has the latest on the development of the controversial Bello Monte dam and how that project is the source of environmental and cultural damage in the Amazon region.  The news segment of the program covers the speech by U.S. President Barack Obama at the United Nations calling for the U.S. Congress to strike down the economic embargo against the country.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Matt Taylor of American University; and
Eve Bratman of American University.


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

The image of various denominations of the Brazilian real is from the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 2, 2015.


Brazil: Corruption & Development (Lp10022015)

Presidential politics and elections in Latin America provide the main themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program goes in-depth on this weekend's presidential elections in Guatemala and Argentina.  In Guatemala, comedian Jimmy Morales is the front-runner by a wide margin but some are asking if he is a true break with Guatemala's military past.  And in Argentina, Daniel Scioli leads the pack as the handpicked successor of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, but can he make his own way?  The news segment of the program covers the latest developments with the debt crisis in Puerto Rico.


Eric Olson of the Wilson Center; and
Peter Hakim of the Inter-American Dialogue.

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

The photo of Jimmy Morales campaigning in Guatemala is from the Russian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Oct. 23, 2015.


Presidential Elections in Guatemala & Argentina (Lp10232015)

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)

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)

A controversial presidential race in Peru and seeking justice in El Salvador provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes how protest marches and concerns raised by the Organization of American States (OAS) may impact the voting in Peru after several candidates were removed from the ballot.  The program also traces moves toward justice in the massacre of Jesuit priests and religious workers in El Salvador; a case that began in 1989.  The news segment of the program outlines the report known as the Panama Papers and how those revelations may affect politicians in Argentina and Mexico.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; and
Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


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


Presidential Election Controversy in Peru & Seeking Justice for El Salvador (Lp4082016)

Consequences regarding abuses of power provide the central discussion this week on "Latin Pulse." The program delves into the politics of impeachment in Brazil as President Dilma Rousseff tangles with members of Congress.  Congress says Rousseff misled them about the country's finances.  But many of those looking to prosecute Rousseff are themselves tangled in various corruption scandals.  The program's analysis gives the necessary context before a Congressional impeachment vote this coming weekend. The program also looks at the reaction in Latin America to the Panama Papers scandal.  The discussion revolves around the Panamanian view of the corruption scandal.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Alex Cuadros, the author of Brazillionaires; and
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


The photo of members of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil demonstrating about impeachment is from Fábio Rodrigues Pozzebom of Agência Brasil .  Agência Brasil is the Brazilian government news agency and offers its material through a Creative Commons license: http://otaboanense.com.br/noticia/19327/deputados%20usam%20cartazes%20para%20manifestar%20voto%20sobre%20impeachment


The Impeachment Debate in Brazil & Panama Papers Fallout (Lp4152016)

Politics in both Brazil and the Dominican Republic provides the discussion points this week on Latin Pulse. Several segments of the program deal with the fallout from the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and what are the next steps for Brazil's Congress as it works to remove her.  The program covers the political arguments Rousseff is making to retain her office. The program also sketches the important issues, parties, and candidates involved in the presidential race in the Dominican Republic.  The discussion revolves around the possibility that President Danilo Medina may win re-election on the first round of voting in May.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Jeb Sprague of the University of California Santa Barbara.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


The photo of members of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil demonstrating and voting on impeachment is from Marcelo Camargo of Agência Brasil . Agência Brasil is the Brazilian government news agency and offers its material through a Creative Commons license: http://www.portalodia.com/noticias/politica/veja-como-deve-caminhar-processo-do-impeachment-no-senado-266238.html


Politics: Impeachment in Brazil & the Presidential Race in the Dominican Republic (Lp4222016)

Mexico with its problems with human rights, corruption, and migration provides the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes a wide-ranging segment discussing the findings by independent investigators for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that the Mexican government actively harassed their workers and thwarted the inquiry into the case of 43 missing university students. The Mexican government disputes that view.  The program also discusses how remittances by Mexican migrants are not only more and more economically important, but also have become an issue in the U.S. during the presidential campaign.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations; and
Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue.


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

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


Mexico: Human Rights Cover-up & Remittances as Campaign Issue (Lp4292016)

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)

Presidential politics in both Brazil and the Dominican Republic provides the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program recounts the historic movements to suspend President Dilma Rousseff from office this past week along with how Michel Temer has moved initially to fill the role of interim president.  This week's analysis includes a look forward at the impeachment process that could permanently remove Rousseff from the presidency.  The program also provides a preview of this weekend's presidential vote in the Dominican Republic and gauges the chances for President Danilo Medina to be re-elected.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Christopher Mitchell of New York University.


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


The photo of Dilma Rousseff, the suspended president of Brazil, and Michel Temer, the interim president of Brazil, is from Agência Brasil which allows use of its material through a Creative Commons license: http://uipi.com.br/noticias/politica/2015/07/27/dilma-temer-e-ministros-tracam-estrategia-para-unificar-base-no-congresso/


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


Politics: Rousseff Suspended in Brazil & Elections in the Dominican Republic (Lp5132016)

Corruption in Argentina and Honduras provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes a wide-ranging analysis of corruption in Argentina, along with key tangents on the Argentine economy and challenges for the new president, Mauricio Macri.  The program details the indictment against the former president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and why both Fernandez and Macri are mentioned in the Panama Papers.  The program also gives a deep analysis of corruption in Honduras and how the opposition in that country is concerned that the country is slipping toward authoritarianism.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Mark Jones of Rice University & the Baker Institute; and
Dana Frank of the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

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

The photo is from the United Nations and is in the public domain.


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



Corruption: Scandals in Argentina & Honduras (Lp5272016)

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)

The Rio Olympics set for this summer in Brazil and their various problems provide the central themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes a variety of challenges for these games including security, crime, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental and economic impacts of the games.  The program also discusses the various health issues confronting these games including the zika virus and super bacteria that are present in some of the venues for water events in the Olympics. The news segment of the program covers the resignation of Eduardo Cunha, president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies due to corruption charges.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Andrew Zimbalist of Smith College; and
Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. 


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


The graphic is the official logo of the 2016 Olympics and is used here following fair use guidelines.


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


Brazil: Debating the Olympics in Rio (Lp7082016)

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)

Brazil and its various concerns are again on the radar of "Latin Pulse" this week. First, the program looks at what is in store for Brazil politically and economically after the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff by the country's Congress. And how will the Temer administration deal with anti-government protests? Also, the program discusses ways to fight the Zika virus, after the disease started in Brazil but has now spread to Central America and beyond. The news segment of the program covers how funds to fight Zika and support research for Zika vaccines are stalled in the U.S. Congress.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Prof. Matthew Taylor of American University; and
Dr. Reina Turcios-Ruiz of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

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

The photo of protests in Brazil 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

Brazil: Unrest After the Rousseff Exit & Fighting Zika (Lp9092016)

“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.  

Protest Movements

LatinPulse