04/03/2025

Ecuador's Defining Choice

Daniel Lansberg-Rodríguez of Aurora MacroStrategy speaks on escalating crime, the 2025 presidential runoff, and the race's global implications. Speakers: Daniel Lansberg-Rodríguez, Founding Partner, Aurora MacroStrategyEric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas As Ecuador approaches a pivotal presidential runoff, the country is enduring one of the most challenging periods in its history. "Ecuador is facing a proxy war between Mexican and Albanian cartels," says geopolitical risk consultant Daniel Lansberg-Rodríguez in a wide-ranging Democracy Dialogues conversation with AS/COA’s Eric Farnsworth on the nation's crisis. The country's 2025 general elections are poised to have profound implications for the nation's trajectory. The presidential race between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González is serving as a referendum on security, the economy, and sovereignty. Lansberg-Rodríguez sheds light on the growing electoral influence of two demographics: indigenous voters and the diaspora. “This may be the first time Ecuador’s diaspora decides a national election,” he says, pointing to the bloc's razor-thin margins and increasing political engagement. The conversation examines how Ecuador’s strategic geography impacts the shifting global political landscape, as well as what’s at stake for the country’s relations with the United States. Lansberg-Rodríguez and Farnsworth also cover whether China’s economic influence could expand if González's correísta coalition returns to power.

40 min

03/11/2025

Haiti on the Brink

“The mood [in Haiti] I would describe as despair and near panic,” says journalist Michael Deibert in a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. Drawing on his on-the-ground reporting and daily contact with Haitians, Deibert outlines how armed groups—some with as many as 14,000 members—are expanding their control over Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country. With Haiti's police force severely understaffed and under-equipped, and international security missions struggling to make an impact, "the small section of Port-au-Prince where life is not under gang control is getting smaller and smaller," Deibert warns. He traces the roots of the current gang crisis to political and economic elites, explaining how past Haitian leaders, including former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, empowered these groups to maintain control over electoral politics and suppress any opposition. Deibert is deeply skeptical that Haiti’s schedule 2025 elections will take place. "Port-au-Prince is hanging on by a fingernail and could fall into complete gang control within weeks or months," he warns. Despite the dire outlook, the author of Haiti Will Not Perish: A Recent Historyacknowledges the country’s resilience, praising its “extraordinarily talented, gifted, and patriotic people.” His conversation with Farnsworth also explores the international community's response, stressing the urgent need for stronger security forces, improved resources for Haitian police, and better coordination among global stakeholders.

24 min

01/24/2025

Edmundo González on Venezuela's Next Steps

Venezuela’s president-elect speaks on the need for global pressure against the Maduro regime and the Trump administration's approach to the crisis.Speakers: Edmundo González Urrutia, President-elect of VenezuelaEric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas“There’s now greater interest in finding a resolution to the Venezuelan political crisis within U.S. foreign policy,” says Edmundo González, Venezuela’s legitimate president, in a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. González, who attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump, has visited multiple countries across the Americas since his election, urging the international community to ramp up pressure on Nicolás Maduro and his regime.In the interview, González discusses the challenges facing the Venezuela, from the escalating humanitarian crisis to the repression of the opposition. “There are approximately 2,000 political prisoners,” he states. He also warns that Maduro’s refusal to recognize his election victory will only exacerbate the country’s migration crisis, forcing even more Venezuelans to flee. “The only language [the regime] understands is pressure,” González asserts, calling on the United States and its allies to intensify efforts to remove Maduro from power. He details to Farnsworth his conversations with world leaders, including presidents of Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Panama, as well as and officials from Brazil and Colombia.As he travels across the Americas and Europe, González remains optimistic and offers a message of hope to the Venezuelan people: “Sooner or later, we will win.”

18 min

12/05/2024

Juan Manuel Barrientos' Culinary Revolution in Colombia

The founder of El Cielo Group shares how his kitchen is helping to heal the divisions of Colombia's armed conflict. Speakers: Juan Manuel Barrientos, Chef and Founder, El Cielo Group Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas “In my kitchen, we are not a former anything. You are a chef at El Cielo, and we are not looking back,” says Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos in a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. From his humble beginnings with a small restaurant in Medellín to earning Michelin stars for his establishments in Miami and Washington, Barrientos has built a hospitality empire while staying true to a powerful vision of social impact. Barrientos explains how El Cielo Group, his growing business, has trained over 2,500 former combatants from Colombia’s armed conflict—including wounded soldiers, former guerrillas, and paramilitaries—teaching them culinary skills while fostering forgiveness and collaboration. “The most important part is creating a social tissue of forgiveness and reconciliation,” he says, describing the transformative process of bringing together people who were once adversaries. Unlike traditional corporate social responsibility models, Barrientos integrates social impact into his business strategy. “We donate between 5% to 25% of profits to the foundation,” he notes, emphasizing his commitment to sustainability and independence from external funding. As a global ambassador for Colombian culture and resilience, Barrientos also calls on viewers to visit his home country: “Colombia is a beautiful, resilient, and welcoming country. After 60 years of war, we have reinvented ourselves.” Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with leading democracy practitioners explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, deeply-considered solutions. Previous guests have included Guatemala's President Bernardo Arévalo, Colombia's then-President Ivan Duque, Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, NBA Basketball Star Enes Kanter Freedom, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, Cuba Decide founder Rosa Maria Paya, founder and editor of Nicaragua's Confidential Carlos Fernando Chamorro, and numerous others. Follow the conversation: #DemocracyDialogues | @ASCOA Subscribe to YouTube podcasts or Apple Podcasts and Spotify to listen on the go.

25 min

11/13/2024

Mexico’s Shift, Risks, Reforms, and Relations with the U.S.

he former head of the INE examines the state of democracy in Mexico as President Sheinbaum executes judicial reforms. "We are right now in the context of a transition into autocracy,” warns Lorenzo Córdova, a professor and researcher at the Institute of Legal Research at UNAM and the former head of Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE). In a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth, Córdova reflects on the state of Mexican democracy and explains how recent constitutional amendments have begun to erode foundational democratic principles, including the independence of the judiciary. Córdova examines the implications of Mexico's shift for the U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). With judicial independence weakened, he argues that the rule of law—the bedrock of investor confidence and cross-border cooperation—becomes more vulnerable. He warns that, in light of judicial reforms, "we could have politicians instead of judges," threatening both democracy and trade stability. The discussion also highlights Mexico's democratic resilience. Despite these challenges, large-scale public protests have emerged in defense of institutions like the INE. However, Córdova cautions that this public commitment may not be enough, warning that the future of Mexican democracy now hinges on government will and "discretionary powers"—a precarious situation for a democracy at risk.

33 min

08/20/2024

Previewing the U.S. Elections

Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, offers insights into the evolving Trump-Harris battle. "Kamala Harris has gained momentum, and there's a lot of attention on her," says Franco Ordoñez, NPR White House correspondent. During a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth, Ordoñez shares insights on the shifting dynamics of the United States election. "It's going to be a very interesting next four months," he says. Ordoñez also commented on the relevance of immigration in this election cycle, stating that for Trump, “it’s really going to be at the core of policy with Latin America.” Ordoñez suggested that a Harris administration would likely adopt “a more diplomatic strategy, with a lot bigger emphasis on soft power.” Trade is another sensitive topic in these elections, particularly in North American countries, said Ordoñez. Both Mexico and Canada will also have new leaders, which could bring new perspectives on the USMCA. The conversation touched on the China’s role in Latin America and the current crisis in Venezuela, exploring what each candidate might do regarding these sensitive international issues. This conversation was recorded before a live audience of members of the Young Professionals of the Americas.

34 min

05/02/2024

Mexico's Critical Electoral Turning Point

Speakers: Luis Carlos Ugalde, Former President, Mexican Federal Electoral Institute; Director General, Integralia Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas "These elections could mark a critical turning point where our democracy either strengthens or weakens significantly," said Luis Carlos Ugalde, founder and director general of political risk firm Integralia. The former president of Mexico's electoral agency emphasized the implications of Mexico's June 2 elections on the country's evolving political scene in a Democracy Dialogues interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. In his remarks, Ugalde stressed the importance of the role of electoral institutions like INE to the integrity of elections. The INE has been recently challenged by attempts to remove its autonomy and disempower it. Ugalde also touched on the threat of political violence to democracy. "Violence against candidates has escalated, influenced by organized crime groups that aim to control local governments," he said. For Ugalde, vigilance and active citizen participation are needed to safeguard Mexico's democracy: "We must be proactive to ensure that our democratic processes are not undermined by internal or external pressures. It's about protecting the very essence of our public and political freedoms." "I could say that this is the most relevant election, not because of who is going to be our next president," he continued. "But because what is at the table is the possibility that our constitution is amended in very important ways." The conversation also touched on the broader implications of these elections for Mexico's bilateral relationship with the United States. Ugalde suggested that "U.S.-Mexico relations will largely depend on the political developments in both countries," indicating that the two electoral outcomes will affect key issues like trade and migration. Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations we need to be having now on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with leading democracy practitioners explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, well-calibrated solutions. Past featured guests have included Colombia's then-President Iván Duque, NBA Basketball Star Enes Kanter Freedom, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, CubaDecide founder Rosa María Payá, Editor-in-Chief of Americas Quarterly Brian Winter, and founder and Editor of Nicaragua's Confidencial Carlos Fernando Chamorro. Follow the conversation: #DemocracyDialogues | @ASCOA

26 min

04/10/2024

Is Latin America's Democracy in Recession?

Speakers: Michael Abramowitz, President, Freedom House Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas "We're in what many have described as a democracy recession, which in Freedom House terms means that every year—for the past 18 years—more countries have experienced declines in political rights and civil liberties than those that experienced improvements," said Freedom House President Michael Abramowitz in a conversation with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. In this edition of Democracy Dialogues, Abramowitz delves into the Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World 2024 report, highlighting key findings and democratic trends. Abramowitz shares insights from his recent trip to Latin America, focusing on Guatemala's encouraging democratic developments under President Bernardo Arévalo, who has made significant strides against corruption in his short time in office. "We like to think that Guatemala could be a good-news story five years from now if President Arévalo is a success," he said. The conversation touches on the broader challenges facing democracies worldwide, including rising electoral manipulation, the role of social media, and the influence of foreign actors. Abramowitz talks about the importance of supporting local civil society movements around the globe and emphasizes the importance of the United States maintaining a strong democratic example, especially during electoral processes. He explains how corruption can be the “Achilles' heel of authoritarian regimes,” suggesting that exposing and combating these issues can be a powerful strategy to strengthen democracy. Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations we need to be having now on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with leading democracy practitioners explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, well-calibrated solutions. Follow the conversation: www.as-coa.org/democracydialogues #DemocracyDialogues | @ASCOA

28 min

03/12/2024

What Are the Forces Tampering with Elections in Latin America?

“China is becoming such a big game changer in terms of economics that all of a sudden even the European countries say this battle for strategic control of Latin America is 'interesting to us,'” said Ambassador Francisco Santos in an interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth about the multifaceted challenges facing democracy in the Western Hemisphere. The Colombian former vice president discussed the role of social media in shaping the narrative around politics in the region. He highlighted how countries like Russia are adapting to tamper with regional dynamics by supporting or undermining political candidates. Santos also cited drug trafficking, criminal gangs, and the influence of external actors—like China, Iran, and Russia—as external threats to the region's democratic stability. In this thought-provoking conversation, Santos painted a complex picture of the interplay between criminal enterprises and external influences in the Western Hemisphere and underscored the need for a strategic reassessment of U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations we need to be having now on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with leading democracy practitioners explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, well-calibrated solutions. Past featured guests have included Colombia's then-President Iván Duque, NBA Basketball Star Enes Kanter Freedom, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, CubaDecide founder Rosa María Payá, Editor-in-Chief of Americas Quarterly Brian Winter, and founder and Editor of Nicaragua's Confidential Carlos Fernando Chamorro. Follow the conversation: #DemocracyDialogues | @ASCOA Subscribe here on Spotify or on YouTube podcasts

21 min

02/01/2024

Battling Organized Crime in Haiti, Guatemala, and Beyond

"We have transnational organized criminals working throughout our hemisphere, undermining institutions, terrorizing communities, ordinary citizens—from the U.S. to all the way down to Argentina and Chile," said the State Department's Todd D. Robinson in an interview with AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth. "The U.S. government and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement have been focusing on long-term solutions." When it comes to lessons learned, Amb. Robinson emphasized that the gold standard is Colombia, where local institutions and the people can make a real change and improve security issues, with the support of the international community. "There is no silver bullet, and it doesn’t have to be the United States. Other countries have a key role to play, such as Norway, France, Spain, the U.K., etc., for an effort such as Plan Colombia," Amb. Robinson noted. Regarding Central America, Amb. Robinson said that "corruption touches on everything in these countries," specifically mentioning the case of Guatemala. "They swap resources, undermining institutions, and hurt ordinary people every day," he said. Support from the international community to institutions and actors, including ordinary Guatemalans who want to fight against corruption is key. The conversation then shifted to the security situation in Haiti. Amb. Robinson explained that the international community has been engaged in Haiti for decades, but following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse (2017–2021), it's going for a new approach. Those efforts center on bolstering the Haitian police, instead of bringing in outside personnel. Amb. Robinson also discussed how the U.S. government is combating external influences, including China and Russia, in the region. He says Washington is pursuing transparency, good governance, and a secure business environment. “Compared to what China and Russia are offering to what the Western Hemisphere is offering, it's clear what works. Authoritarianism and closer cooperation with criminal organizations doesn’t work." ----------------------------------------------------------- Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations we need to be having now on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with leading democracy practitioners explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, well-calibrated solutions. Past featured guests have included Colombia's then-President Iván Duque, NBA Basketball Star Enes Kanter Freedom, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, CubaDecide founder Rosa María Payá, Editor-in-Chief of Americas Quarterly Brian Winter, and founder and Editor of Nicaragua's Confidential Carlos Fernando Chamorro. Watch past episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYBZqP9zCyaiuU4k3Nkg9dgPMZLlQNdx4&si=mgAagp3teMqqyT-t Follow the conversation: #DemocracyDialogues | @ASCOA

28 min

01/04/2024

Democracy Dialogues: Conversations with Latin America Leaders

As we kick off 2024, our Democracy Dialogues series is set to feature key leaders from across the Americas, presenting crucial conversations about democracy in the context of a vibrant election year for the region. Tune in on the first Thursday of every month as we sit down with prominent figures to unravel the complexities and chart the course for the future of democracy in the Americas. If you're new to the series, get to know some of our previous guests in this recap video. Democracy Dialogues is a series of conversations we need to be having now on the state of democracy in the Americas. Hosted by AS/COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth, these one-on-one interviews with active democracy practitioners and leaders explore the most difficult issues of regional democratic governance with an eye toward pragmatic, deeply-considered solutions. We invite you to join the conversation!

3 min

Democracy Dialogues

Episodes

Ecuador's Defining Choice

Haiti on the Brink

Edmundo González on Venezuela's Next Steps

Juan Manuel Barrientos' Culinary Revolution in Colombia

Mexico’s Shift, Risks, Reforms, and Relations with the U.S.

Previewing the U.S. Elections

Mexico's Critical Electoral Turning Point

Is Latin America's Democracy in Recession?

What Are the Forces Tampering with Elections in Latin America?

Battling Organized Crime in Haiti, Guatemala, and Beyond

Democracy Dialogues: Conversations with Latin America Leaders

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Democracy Dialogues: Conversations with Latin America Leaders

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