Category Archives: Latin America

The Familiar Intersection of Authoritarianism and Neocolonialism in Peru

The Since December 2022, Peruvians have been on the streets demanding early elections and the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.
Yet in Peru elections are more than a desired constitutional process – it is about resisting exploitation and neocolonialism that is threatening to intensify its grip on its marginalised communities. 

If We Praise Henry Kissinger, What Do We Have to Negate?

As Henry Kissinger turns 100 years old today, what can we say? Will we praise his diplomacy skills or will we choose to see what’s behind those potential praises? I invite you to do the latter.

What Are Political Prisoners And Why Should We Care About Them?

Why can it seem problematic at first sight to even define the concept of ‘political prisoner’? What can help us to do so? And, most importantly, why should we care? In short, we should care about our political prisoners if we care about human rights and our humanity. In my episode, I talk about the broader implication of it, I give examples of political prisoners we’ve had historically, and the ones we have now. I also invite you to take action!

How to Make Sense of What Happened in Brazil on January 8?

On January 8, 2023, Brazil suffered yet another form of attack on democracy. What was it exactly? How does it compare to the January 6 insurrection in the US? And how is the country moving forward with president Lula ahead?

Is Your Country Slipping Into Authoritarianism?

How does a county fall from the podium of democracy? And is it always a sudden fall? When it’s not something sudden and obvious, like a military coup, but a gradual process, it can be more difficult to spot, point a finger to, and name. So what does it entail?

The Margin is Scary, Yet Brazil Did Vote Against Fascism

In so many of my articles, my hope is hidden. Not in this one though. As Lula comes back to power in Brazil, we are all hoping for some healing, recovery, and bridging the divisions deepened by the hateful and violent policies of Jair Bolsonaro.

Will The Fragile Democracy of Brazil Survive?

As voters in Brazil are choosing their representatives today, choosing their president can determine the country’s direction in ways that go beyond a specific party.
This election is extremely important not only because Brazil is a presidential republic (meaning, its president has significant powers) and world’s 12th economy. It’s because, to put it plainly, if Lula wins, the are fears of Bolsonaro not taking his political loss as leaders in democracies do – and that would have significant consequences for Brazil and the rest of the world.

What Just Happened in Ecuador?

The people of Ecuador have just had a national strike – and won!
After more than two weeks of country-wide protests, the current government has agreed to meet their demands.
What was happening there and why?
To answer these questions, hear what two journalists reporting on Ecuador have to say.

Brazil: How to Weaken Democracy from Within

The dance between democracy and authoritarianism: that has been the main topic of my articles and my podcast. That dance can take different forms. And Brazil presents to us yet another one.