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. Jul 21

    Latin America's AI Crossroad

    In this episode, we look past Silicon Valley to analyze what the global artificial intelligence revolution actually looks like on the ground in Latin America.   Despite high smartphone penetration, Latin America faces a digital capital gap. The presenters unpack the critical question: will the region become an independent engine of digital innovation, or remain a traditional exporter of raw commodities?   Key Highlights Resource Demands & Supply Chains: How Latin America’s abundance of critical minerals, water, and energy sources feeds the hungry AI infrastructure of global superpowers.  Real-World Applications: From solar-powered precision agriculture robots in Brazil to AI assistants bringing financial inclusion to Mexico's informal economy.  Bold Legal Experiments: Argentina’s move toward recognizing "non-human corporations" run by AI agents and attracting major tech investment.  Macro Risks & Workforce Impact: Addressing administrative job displacement, data center environmental pressures, and historical boom-and-bust economic cycles.  The 50-Year Horizon: Contrasting views on whether AGI or Super AI will rapidly overhaul human society or progress through slow, non-linear fits and starts.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.

    Latin America's AI Crossroad
  2. Jul 6

    Cuba, Transition and Pressure: Goodbye to the Revolution?

    In this episode of Sustainable LatAm, presenters Andrew Thompson, Alberto Souviron, and Julian Seydoux explored the highly complex crisis currently unfolding in Cuba. They are joined by special guest Emily Morris, a development economist from University College London, to unpack the harsh realities of the island's economic landscape.  The discussion questions whether the traditional Cuban model of revolutionary socialism has finally come to an end. Emily breaks down the Cuban government's recent package of measures, detailing the unprecedented "transformation" from physical to financial planning and the move to privatize state assets. The panel also discusses the severe impact of U.S. sanctions, the surprising resilience and physical exhaustion of the Cuban public, and the growing ecosystem of domestic entrepreneurs stepping into the gaps left by the state. Finally, the presenters and their guest broaden the lens to examine how U.S. pressure is inadvertently pushing Cuba closer to China and Russia, and what role European investors might play moving forward.  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.

    Cuba, Transition and Pressure: Goodbye to the Revolution?
  3. Jun 12

    Peru Elections: Down-to-the-wire results, uncertain future

    In this episode, we dive into the razor-thin presidential runoff in Peru, where right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez are separated by a very narrow margin. With overseas and rural ballots still trickling in, the nation remains in a state of suspense, waiting to see who will become Peru’s ninth president in ten years. Join our hosts Andrew Thompson, Julian Seydoux, and Alberto Souviron as they unpack the underlying dynamics of this election. They explore how the country is experiencing a profound geographical divide and a "fear vote" rather than straightforward polarization. The panel discusses the political phenomenon of the "catastrophic draw"—where neither side can impose its will, leading to potential governmental paralysis—and questions the legitimacy of an election heavily influenced by voters in Miami and Madrid. Despite the chronic political instability and deep-seated social inequalities, our experts highlight a fascinating paradox: Peru's economic resilience. With strong macroeconomic tailwinds, a relatively low debt-to-GDP ratio, and a wealth of key resources, the country continues to grow. Tune in as we analyze what the next administration must do to build essential bridges in a fragmented Congress and reassure international markets. 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.

    Peru Elections: Down-to-the-wire results, uncertain future
  4. 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.

  5. 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.

    Elections in Peru: Slow Results and Uncertainty
  6. 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.

    Elections in Peru and Colombia: What is at Stake?

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.