Intelligence Squared

Populista! The Rise of Latin America's Strongman, with Will Grant and Mark Mardell

Jan 15, 2021

Will Grant, a BBC correspondent in Mexico, Central America, and Cuba, discusses his book 'Populista' alongside Mark Mardell. They dissect the rise of Latin America's strongman leaders, revealing how the 'Pink Tide' has morphed into authoritarianism. Grant shares insights on COVID-19 responses in Brazil and Mexico, critiques U.S. foreign policy's historical influence, and examines the romanticized revolutionary spirit among citizens. The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of populism and the vital role of journalism in countering disinformation.

47:35

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Episode guests

Will Grant

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Rise of Strongman Leaders

15min

Challenges of COVID Response in Brazil and Mexico

2min

The Rise and Fall of Latin American Leadership

11min

U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin America

5min

Romanticism and Resilience in Latin America

8min

The Cyclical Nature of Populism in Latin America

3min

For more than six decades, Fidel Castro's words have echoed through the politics of Latin America. His towering political influence still looms over the region today. The swing to the Left in Latin America, known as the 'Pink Tide', was the most important political movement in the Western Hemisphere in the 21st century. Yet today, this wave of populism has left the Americas in the hands of some of the most authoritarian and dangerous leaders since the military dictatorships of the 1970s. In this week's episode BBC correspondent Will Grant speaks to Mark Mardell about his new book Populista and how strongmen have shaped the region. To buy the book click here: https://amzn.to/3qqT5ke

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