The Rasheed Griffith Show

Send us a text"Taipei won't have any formal western diplomatic ties in 5 years." This ominous prediction underscores the shift of trade and soft power in the Americas. On this episode we explore Taiwan's dwindling influence in the Caribbean and America's reactionary tactics to its own international relations complacency which has left the door wide open for its largest rival.How does America plan to counteract China's foothold on its doorstep and what do these knee jerk policies mean for the vulnerable economies of Latin America and the Caribbean?

Send us a textIn this no-nonsense conversation, Professor Carlos Rodríguez Braun — author of El Pensamiento de Milei — helps us decipher the often confusing worldview of Argentina’s president, Javier Milei. We go through the philosophical paths that took Milei from admiring Chicago-school thinkers to openly praising Rothbard’s anarcho-capitalism, and we examine the often jarring contradictions revealed by his alliances with figures like Bolsonaro, Abascal, and Meloni.Key Points Anarcho-Capitalist or Just Radical?How Milei’s shifting stances on economic policy blur the lines between classical liberalism, minarchism, and outright anarchism.Bolsonaro, Abascal, & Trump—Strange Bedfellows?Why a self-styled free trader cozies up to staunch protectionists and far-right politicians in pursuit of a new global “culture war.”Social Policy ParadoxesMilei rails against abortion as murder but leans libertarian on marriage (at least on the surface) —yet his conservative circle often contradicts these freedoms.Culture War GambleWill Milei’s aggressive rhetoric on “gender ideology” undercut Argentina’s hard-won social freedoms and destabilize his own economic reforms?The Future of Liberalism in ArgentinaWith the nation’s midterm elections looming, can Milei deliver on taming inflation and sparking growth or risk discrediting liberalism for a generation?

Send us a textNostalgia can be a powerful force. This is extremely evident in the musings of our discussion on Jamaican Dancehall. Join us for a tea-time chat on Reggae’s vulgar, and culturally rebellious cousin.Dancehall is a rather vibrant and colorful subgenre of Reggae rooted deeply in Caribbean culture, but the similarities are surface-level at best. The genre is criticized for its overt vulgarity, hypersexualization, and at times, problematic lyrics which have exported varying levels of lawlessness from Jamaica to its neighbors and beyond. Besides its lasting impact on language through the introduction of crude and derogatory terms like “Chi Chi Man” to the greater Caribbean, Dancehall has also been a potent vector for homophobia and other forms of discrimination throughout the region.Are we bashing it? Yes. Will we stop singing it? No. Herein lies the great contradiction. Despite the criticisms leveled above, dancehall is recognized as an enduring and significant part of Caribbean identity and is firmly entrenched in contemporary depictions of “Caribbeana.” In this episode, we explore if it is possible to reconcile these attributes, and the genre’s ironic transition from a tool of oppression, to a tool of protest against itself.

Send us a textIn this episode, Rasheed is joined by Lord Sewell of the British House of Lords, for an insightful discussion on education, race, and the socio-political dynamics in the UK and the Caribbean. They explore the myths of systemic discrimination, and the evolving narratives surrounding immigration, colonialism, and identity.Mind the GapLord Sewell highlights the challenges Afro-Caribbean students face in the UK, emphasizing the impact of family structure and socioeconomic conditions on academic performance. His program, Generating Genius, seeks to address gaps in STEM education by providing long-term mentorship to nurture talent.It’s ComplicatedWe critique broad racial generalizations, emphasizing intra-group differences. Lord Sewell draws comparisons between Caribbean and African diasporas in the UK and the U.S., attributing disparities in performance to cultural and structural factors rather than race alone.LegacyHere we examine the persistence of colonial narratives in the Caribbean and the UK. Lord Sewell surmises most anti-colonial movements and discussions are performative, and calls for embracing the positive aspects of British influence while addressing present challenges more pragmatically.

Send us a textFull transcript at www.cpsi.mediaFrancisco Zalles, Ecuadorian Economist and Professor gives us an in-depth account of Ecuador’s journey to dollarization. A series of unfortunate events…The economic crisis of the late 1990s, marked by a banking collapse due to external shocks (El Niño triggered the underperformance of the banana industry), poor fiscal policies, and mismanagement by the Central Bank, paved the way for drastic monetary reform in Ecuador.A good policy is a good policyPresident Jamil Mahuad's sudden decision to dollarize in 2000, at a time of extreme political and economic instability, was a last-ditch effort to save his administration. Despite limited planning, and many efforts to undermine sound monetary governance, the policy gained immediate popularity and stabilized the economy by halting inflation and restoring confidence.Dollarization means developmentFrancisco sees dollarization not only as a stabilization mechanism but as a tool for institutional reform. It anchors private property rights over money, minimizes political interference, and enhances productivity by reducing inflationary uncertainty.There is no more democratic private property than money. And building institutions is a long-term process. Dollarization is a very fast and efficient way to introduce an inclusive institution. - Fancisco ZallesThe futureFrancisco’s dream? The closure of the Central Bank of Ecuador. This would solidify the benefits of dollarization. He underscores its potential as a safeguard against populism and a driver of sustainable economic growth.

Send us a textWhile Barcelona scapegoats tourism for its housing shortage, Madrid is setting the standard for development with initiatives to improve its housing stock. The “capital of capitalism” is once again employing proven liberal governance techniques to position itself as a premier city in Europe. Diego Sanchez de la Cruz returns to the show to discuss policies being enacted to expand living options for the fastest-growing city in Spain. By abolishing oppressive rent controls, improving mortgage accessibility, and unlocking new zoning for construction, Madrid is acknowledging the challenges that come with being the city of choice for many new residents and nomads, seeking new opportunities that also strengthen the city’s workforce and future-proof it for growth. Spain’s dynamic political landscape provides fascinating insight into juxtaposed methods of administration and poignant lessons for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Send us a textIt's not all love, peace and brotherhood and if you're looking for Bob Marley, you're out of luck there too. Join CPSI director Rasheed Griffith and podcast producer Shem Best for an unfiltered foray into reggae, its historical starting point, political ramifications and cultural proliferation throughout the region and the world. Reggae is first and foremost a vehicle of protest. We explore the societal context which forced the hands of the Rastafarians, producing anthems of anti-establishment sentiment that resonated with a growing movement which was finding itself increasingly at odds with a post-colonial government.What is "Babylon" and why are so many of these songs calling for us to burn it down? A greater understanding of rasta ideologies is required and we've got a basic crash course right here. Japanese Rastas may appear to be an improbable cultural anomaly, but it's a much more fitting match than you think. Reggae has become a global phenomenon, thus bringing the fight to seemingly unlikely locales. How has its message evolved over time and how effective is it today in a much more culturally mature and homogenous world.

Send us a textAt 25 years of age, José Pérez Barboni is one of the youngest members of Panama’s National Assembly. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate state of politics and governance on the isthmus and the peculiar system of elections that continues to shape the development of one of Latin America’s most pivotal economies.More than a canal…Panama, the proverbial (and literal) bridge of the Americas, is not defined simply by the infamous trans-oceanic marvel that is the Panama Canal. The country of just over 4 million sits at the forefront of an immigration crisis brought on by the veritable collapse of its neighbor Venezuela. Barboni, who is intimately familiar with the state of affairs, gives insights on what is being done to alleviate the strain on Panama’s resources, as well as bring regional and international attention to the precarious balance between humanitarian efforts and diplomatic action on the largest exodus in the modern history of the continent.Fool me once!Say no to colonial trade zones. José gives the rundown on local opposition to a mining deal and the true underlying cause of the early 2023 riots that paralyzed Panama. An aversion to repetition of the unfair conditions of the historic Panama Canal Zone and public frustration with a continued lack of government transparency fueled month-long protests which resulted in the rejection of an environmentally dubious mining contract.The future could be bright.How can we bring younger minds and opinions into governing roles? José shares his thought process and journey to the National Assembly. What can the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean learn from Panama’s prominent independent candidate culture and how has this shaped José’s party, Otro Camino?

Send us a textThe role of the Church in dismantling the slave trade must not be understated. This is just one of many hard truths we examine on this episode featuring British writer and medical doctor, Alexander Chula. From his book "Goodbye Dr Banda: Lessons for the West from a Small African Country", Dr. Chula guides us through harmful misconceptions on Western culture.Western culture, the Classics and many of its trappings were not simply tools of subjugation. To frame them solely as such is to apply a reductionist view of a much broader and complex history where they were also tools of enlightenment and civilization building. In his book, Dr Chula introduces one such prolific character who recognized the utility of Western culture and used it to enrich and spotlight his own country's literary prowess. Malawi's first prime minister, Hastings Banda serves as the focal point for understanding the true role of Western influence via colonialism in Central Africa.His own history and initiatives on return to his homeland provide insight on the contributions of the Church of England, not via force but through countless missionaries who sought to bring development to the region by appealing to humanity. Fast forward to the present, and these contributions have been almost entirely forgotten or overlooked. In its place is a regrettable sense of guilt, guiding the narrative solely on emotion, rather than empirical evidence and manifesting via counterproductive reparations movements. How did we get here?

Send us a textWould V.S. Naipaul have made a good venture capitalist? Join us for a whirlwind episode with prolific British writer, Henry Oliver as we tackle thought-provoking inquiries surrounding the age of heroes, cities as imaginary spaces, the tragedy of unique talent and, the late bloomer. Imaginary CitiesTo best describe a place you hold dear, you must leave it. Or perhaps you find it oppressive to your ideas. Again, you must leave it. Henry describes cities written by icons like Joyce as meta-physical spaces, distinct from their geographical analogs, but often more real. We all experience a city differently, but those who step out of it can best perceive and concretize those collective experiences. Has the age of heroes ended? We theorize that the Great Man Theory of History may be to blame, or rather its rejection. Henry attributes this shift to a backlash against the idea that history is shaped solely by individual actors, emphasizing the importance of systems and broader forces. This "impersonalisation" of history from the common man has removed the reverence once attributed to various figures and barred new ones from joining their ranks. But perhaps it is time to give the relevant thinkers their laurels once more. The Tragedy of TalentThe right people, with the right ideas, at the right time, can change the course of history. Take Paul Kagame, the savior of modern Rwanda. Can we replicate his genius elsewhere or even again within Rwanda to continue his legacy of forward momentum for one of Africa's fastest-developing economies? What does the theory of personalities have to tell us about the rare harmonization of variables necessary to produce such development?And what of talent, whose capabilities present themselves later in life? Are we doing a disservice to the workforce by disregarding the late-bloomer? Shouldn't the collective experiences of those who find calling in non-traditional phases of life count towards their contribution potential within organizations?