Latin America’s engagement with external powers

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Irene Mia, Editor of the Armed Conflict Survey and Senior Fellow for Latin America and Conflict, Security and Development, and Amanda Lapo, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss geopolitical developments in Latin America.

How has the shifting global geopolitical environment impacted Latin America? Meia, Irene and Amanda examine geopolitical competition in Latin America and the region’s engagement with external powers.

Irene argues that the Latin American order is no longer unipolar, highlighting China’s inroads in the region and growing importance as a regional commercial partner. She also notes the role of the United States and questions surrounding the level of engagement to be expected from the Biden administration, stressing the impact migration flows have had on US policy towards the region. Amanda talks about military-to-military engagement between China and the region, arguing that China is now the third largest regional player after the US and Russia. She explains that relationships between China and countries in South America in particular have become more formal in recent years.

Meia, Irene and Amanda also discuss vaccine and military diplomacy in the region, the Pacific Alliance and the ongoing election cycle in Latin American countries. 

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Date of recording: 11 June 2021

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