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The CSIS Americas Program podcast looks at the politics and policies of the 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere. It especially focuses on U.S. engagement with the region, whether on trade, diplomacy, or security issues like drugs and terrorism. Guests include top policymakers from the U.S. and other countries.

22 ENE

The Future of the Alberta Separatist Movement

Separatism has been a recurring but minority political current in the Canadian province of Alberta. It tends to surge during periods of high federal–provincial tension, especially when federal policies are seen as constraining Alberta’s energy sector, such as carbon pricing, environmental regulations, or pipeline approvals. Recent political developments in Canada and certain phenomena that parts of Canada share with the United States, have breathed some new life into this movement. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Randy Boissonnault, a former Member of Canada’s Parliament representing Edmonton Centre, Alberta’s capital. Together they delve into the history of Alberta Separatism and the recent factors that have seen the movement capture national attention both in Canada and the United States.

38 min
8 ENE

Operation Just Cause and Venezuela

In December 1989, the U.S. military intervened in Panama to depose dictator Manuel Noriega. Known as Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama has resurfaced in public discourse as observers draw parallels between it and the large build-up of U.S. forces off the coast of Venezuela. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, U.S. Ambassador to the OAS from 1989 to 1993 and later former Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States. Together they unpack both the similarities and distinctions between Panama and Venezuela . They also assess the challenges inherent in any democratic transition and lessons learned from Panama's history. The episode was recorded on December 22, 2025, two weeks before Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Venezuelan Disctator Nicolas Maduro, yet it still contains valuable insights into what may happen next in Venezuela.

47 min
18/12/2025

María Corina in Oslo

Last week, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado embarked on a daring journey from Venezuela to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Price. Traveling in disguise, evading military checkpoints, and enduring rough seas, she arrived late in Oslo but nevertheless appeared on the balcony of the Grand Hotel around 2:30 am to address an assembled crowd. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Alexandra Winkler, Senior Associate with the CSIS Americas Program. Together, they discuss Alex's experience in Norway from the Nobel ceremony to the appearance of María Corina Machado, and what her journey meant for Venezuelans around the world. They also discuss the future of the opposition, and what comes next in the fight for democracy within Venezuela.

21 min
14/11/2025

After Bolivia's Elections

On October 19, Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira won the presidency in Bolivia, bringing an end to the rule of the Movimiento al Socialismo, or MAS party which had long dominated the country's politics. While the MAS defeat captured headlines, President-elect Pereira faces a difficult path ahead, facing major economic as well as security challenges. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Eduardo Gamarra, Professor of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. Together, they discuss Pereira's path to the presidency, the economic state of Bolivia, and the evolution of the country's challenges with organized crime and narcotrafficking. They also analyze the future of Bolivia-U.S. relations which have shown signs of warming under the new government.

29 min
30/10/2025

From Counter-narcotics to Counterterror

The United States has dramatically escalated its use of force against drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere, many of whom have also been designated as terrorist entities by the Trump administration. At a basic level, this signals a shift in U.S. national security priorities, but it also opens a host of political, legal, and practical questions about the role of military force in the fight against organized crime. In this episode, Rubi Bledsoe sits down with Aileen Teague, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Together they discuss her recent book, Policing on Drugs: The United States, Mexico, and the Origins of the Modern Drug War, 1969-2000. They also delve into recent U.S. interventions against drug trafficking organizations and where U.S. security policy might evolve from here. Use Discount Code: AUFLY30 for 30 percent off on the book.

29 min
16/10/2025

Canada-Mexico Ties in an Era of Uncertainty

Canada and Mexico are not only the United States’ top trading partners – they are also indispensable players in North American supply chains, but have historically, approached Washington separately, preferring bilateral negotiations. Yet, as trade tensions rise with the Trump Administration’s tariffs intended to reshore manufacturing to the United States, raising questions about competitiveness, supply chains and the resilience of trilateral relations in the region, both Canada and Mexico appear to be discovering common ground, reshaping political calculations and opening new avenues for cooperation. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Graeme Clark, former Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, Peru, Bolivia and the OAS. Together, they discuss the history of Canada-Mexico relations, the tensions that have put the relationship under pressure, and windows for potential collaboration.

29 min
02/10/2025

China’s Expanding Footprint in Mexico

China’s presence in Mexico has grown dramatically over the past two decades. While Chinese investment across Latin America has been commodity-driven, in Mexico the story is different. Chinese firms are embedding themselves in manufacturing supply chains, wholesale trade, telecommunications, and real estate – with over 800 companies active in Mexico as of 2025. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Heidi Jane Smith, professor of economics at La Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Together, they unpack Beijing's strategy for engagement with Mexico, and the data behind China's investments. They also explore how the U.S.-Mexico relationship has been impacted by the latter's dealings with China, and likely pathways forward.

38 min
18/09/2025

Unlocking the Potential of U.S.-Latin America Education Exchange

For decades, educational exchanges have served as a cornerstone of U.S. soft power, aimed at promoting goodwill, cross-cultural understanding, and enduring regional partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean. Each year, more than 80,000 students from the region pursue studies in the United States and more than 30,000 Americans study abroad in the region. In this episode, Juliana Rubio sits down with Gerardo Blanco, associate professor of Higher Education and Academic Director of the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College. Together, they discuss the benefits of educational exchange for the United States and Latin American countries, including the relevance of these exchanges for soft power and diplomatic competition. They also explore how recent tensions around immigration have spilled over into the educational realm, and how the United States, alongside its regional partners, can move forward in this environment.

29 min

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The CSIS Americas Program podcast looks at the politics and policies of the 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere. It especially focuses on U.S. engagement with the region, whether on trade, diplomacy, or security issues like drugs and terrorism. Guests include top policymakers from the U.S. and other countries.