The Jacob Shapiro Podcast Right Wing Ascendant
Dec 22, 2025
Elohim Monard, a Spanish-language geopolitical analyst and host of Conversando de Política, dives deep into the rising right-wing politics sweeping Latin America. He discusses how a 'Trumpian' approach is reshaping alliances and creating a practical ideology focused on security and economic pragmatism. The conversation explores the upcoming elections, Brazil's precarious political landscape under Lula, and the implications of U.S. strategies toward Venezuela. Monard warns of a looming low-intensity war against non-state actors, demonstrating Latin America's surprising return to global significance.
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Latin America Back At Center Stage
- Latin America is re-entering geopolitics as a cohesive territory driven by a rightward, Trump-aligned current.
- Elohim Monard argues this could produce continental integration around security and pragmatic economics.
Brazil Might Be An Outlier
- Lula may resist leading South American integration and could be isolated if neighbors shift right.
- Elohim predicts Brazil and Mexico could be exceptions while much of the Southern Cone moves toward right-wing alignment.
Economic Ties Limit Political Leverage
- China dominates trade and infrastructure across the Southern Cone, complicating US political influence.
- Right-wing governments will likely trade with China while limiting new Chinese infrastructure projects.