Turbulence Episode 2: The Palestine-Mexico Border
Nov 4, 2025
Alexander Aviña, a historian specializing in modern Mexico and Latin America, joins the discussion to unravel the intricate connections between Israel's Cold War actions in Latin America and the emergence of 'narcoterrorism.' He highlights the shared challenges faced by pro-Palestine and anti-ICE movements, advocating for unity against repressive policies. Aviña also critiques traditional drug war strategies, examines the role of Israeli military technologies in the US-Mexico border security, and calls for coalition-building among diverse leftist movements.
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Episode notes
Borders Share A Common Logic
- The Palestine-Mexico border links Israeli border technologies and necropolitics to US southern border practices.
- Alexander Aviña argues these shared logics make disposability of populations a global ruling-class strategy.
Arava Planes And Enforced Disappearances
- Aviña found Mexican air force planes used Arava Israeli aircraft to dump disappeared people into the Pacific.
- That discovery prompted his research into Israeli counterinsurgency ties in Cold War Latin America.
Israel As A Cold War Support Beam
- Israel was a critical military and diplomatic supporter for several Latin American dictatorships during the Cold War.
- Aviña emphasizes Israel supplied arms, advisors, and served as a diplomatic gateway to the United States.
