Sustainable LatAm

Sustainable LatAm

Sustainable LatAm is a specialised media and analysis platform focused on Latin America’s political economy, business landscape, and long-term strategic shifts. Our mission is to help decision-makers understand how the region is evolving and to provide clear, high-quality insight for professionals navigating an increasingly complex environment.

  1. May 18

    The War in Iran: Resilience and Challenges for Latin America

    As the global economy grapples with the sharpest energy price hikes seen in a generation, the ripples of the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Iran are being felt deeply across the globe. In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, hosts Andrew, Alberto, and Julian dissect how the Latin American agroindustrial and economic sectors are shifting to meet these unprecedented geopolitical tensions. While Latin America remains a robust global breadbasket—responsible for 19% of global food production but only 8% of global food consumption—it faces severe domestic vulnerabilities. Our hosts break down the indirect impacts hitting the region: severe supply chain disruptions, soaring freight costs, currency devaluations, and the critical strain on fertilizer imports that threatens competitive regional production. Tune in as we analyze how new regional governments must walk a diplomatic tightrope between the United States and China, integrate new technologies like AI to boost farm efficiency, and brace for looming inflationary pressures and social unrest. Production: Sustainable LatAm Presenters  Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus.

    53 min
  2. Elections in Peru: Slow Results and Uncertainty

    Apr 28

    Elections in Peru: Slow Results and Uncertainty

    In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, hosts Alberto Souviron, Andrew Thompson, and Julian Seydoux are joined by Oxford academic and Andean expert, Professor John Crabtree. Together, they unpack the administrative chaos and political uncertainty surrounding Peru's recent first-round presidential elections. The conversation delves into the logistical hurdles of managing 35 presidential candidates, the Trumpian fraud claims led by Rafael Lopez Aliaga, and the nail-bitingly close race to face Keiko Fujimori in the second round.  Beyond the ballot box, the panel explores the surprising resilience of the Peruvian economy amidst a history of frequent presidential impeachments. They discuss how the return to a bicameral Congress might bring much-needed stability to the nation. The episode also analyzes Peru's delicate geopolitical balancing act between the United States and China, highlighting recent tensions over American F-16 fighter jets and the Chinese-built Chancay port. Finally, the discussion tackles the rising concerns over extortion and common crime, alongside the deep-rooted regional and social divides shaping Peru's political and economic future. Production: Sustainable LatAm Presenters  Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus.

    1h 2m
  3. Elections in Peru and Colombia: What is at Stake?

    Apr 9

    Elections in Peru and Colombia: What is at Stake?

    In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, we unpack the high-stakes elections approaching in Peru and Colombia. Despite severe political instability—highlighted by Peru cycling through eight presidents in a single decade—both nations have managed to sustain surprisingly stable macroeconomies. We explore this fascinating disconnect, breaking down how the fear of crime, targeted social investments, and deep regional divides are driving voters to the polls. Zooming out, we also analyze the massive geopolitical tug-of-war playing out in Latin America, from China’s infrastructure push via Peru's Chancay mega-port to the US's strategic counter-influence in Colombia. Key Takeaways: The unpredictable nature of Peru's crowded 35-candidate race.The stark gap between actual crime statistics and public perception.The driving forces behind Gustavo Petro's polling surge in Colombia.US vs. China: The battle for strategic influence and infrastructure.The looming threat of fractured congresses and the necessity of complex coalition-building.Production: Sustainable LatAm Presenters  Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus.

    53 min
  4. Central America at a Crossroads: Crime, the Shift to the Right, Economic Challenges, and Geopolitical Games

    Feb 28

    Central America at a Crossroads: Crime, the Shift to the Right, Economic Challenges, and Geopolitical Games

    In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, the panel dives deep into the complex geopolitical, economic, and social forces shaping Central America today. The discussion analyzes the region's political shift toward the populist right, highlighting recent elections in Honduras and Costa Rica. It alsotackles the escalating security crisis across the region. The experts examine the potential fallout from the death of El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel, and contrast the regional drug violence with the aggressive, militarized anti-crime approach taken by President Bukele in El Salvador. Beyond regional politics, the episode explores the intensifying superpower competition between the U.S. and China for control of infrastructure and resources, using the Panama Canal ports as a prime example. Finally, the panel addresses the looming economic threat that Artificial Intelligence poses to Central America's crucial call center industry, wrapping up with their mixed predictions for the region's outlook in 2030. Production: Sustainable LatAm Presenters  Andrew Thompson - International journalist & political-risk analyst with deep LatAm coverage (OBG, EIU, Latin News; ex-Head BBC Learning English).Alberto Souviron - International journalist and digital comms leader for EM investors; ex BBC/Newsweek/Lloyd’s Register. Julian Seydoux - AI-driven finance entrepreneur (FirmView AI, Fast Audit AI); ex-Moody’s/Consilium; cross-border EM & LatAm focus.

    58 min

About

Sustainable LatAm is a specialised media and analysis platform focused on Latin America’s political economy, business landscape, and long-term strategic shifts. Our mission is to help decision-makers understand how the region is evolving and to provide clear, high-quality insight for professionals navigating an increasingly complex environment.