The hottest Latin America Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Gee, I Wonder Why Venezuela Is Authoritarian!

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Latin America
  1. The U.S. has a long history of intervening in Latin America, often leading to the rise of authoritarian governments in places like Guatemala and Venezuela. These actions have created instability and pain for many people in the region.
  2. Venezuelan leadership has often responded with authoritarian measures as a way to protect the country from perceived external threats, especially from the U.S. This response highlights the complexities of governance under constant external pressure.
  3. Critics of the Venezuelan government, while pointing out valid issues, often overlook how American policies have shaped the current situation. The cycle of intervention and authoritarianism demonstrates how outside influences can heavily impact a nation's political landscape.

American Narco State Capture

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Latin America
  1. Ecuador is facing serious issues with drug cartels, leading to violence and political assassinations. The assassination of a presidential candidate shows how deeply rooted these problems are in the country.
  2. Mexican drug cartels are now controlling a significant portion of the illegal drug trade, expanding their influence from Colombia to the United States. This rise in cartel power is linked to high rates of crime and corruption across Latin America.
  3. Current approaches to fighting drug trafficking, like the War on Drugs, have largely failed. Some experts suggest that legalization and treating addiction as a health issue, rather than a crime, might help alleviate this ongoing crisis.

Ecuador's Gangster Insurgency

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 511 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Ecuador faced a gangster insurgency involving violent actions like seizing TV stations and kidnapping police officers.
  2. The gangsters used propaganda tactics like releasing videos to spread fear and intimidation among the public.
  3. The situation in Ecuador reflects a broader issue of crime wars in Latin America, with implications beyond its borders.

Peru's coup-plotting congress has 6% approval, 91% disapproval (but full US backing)

Geopolitical Economy Report • 817 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Peru's coup-plotting congress has only 6% approval and a whopping 91% disapproval rate
  2. Despite such low approval, the US fully supports the unpopular congress and the unelected leader Boluarte
  3. Foreign mining interests and significant influence from US and Canadian corporations play a major role in Peru's politics and the support of the coup regime

Yoink! Got Your Dictator!

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 53 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The U.S. carried out a military operation that captured Venezuela's president, a major escalation in Latin America that will spark intense domestic political and legal debate over presidential war powers.
  2. The strike puts Venezuelan oil infrastructure and exports at risk and could lift energy prices, while the administration appears likely to try to secure Venezuelan oil, adding market uncertainty.
  3. The action increases tensions with Russia, China, and regional leaders, raising the risk of a geopolitical backlash that could accelerate moves away from the dollar and amplify longer-term financial instability.
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WHAT IS TRUMP’S GAMBIT IN VENEZUELA?

Seymour Hersh • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The Venezuela operation wasn’t just about ousting Maduro — it aimed to cut China off from cheap Venezuelan oil and weaken rivals’ access to energy.
  2. Top U.S. officials framed the action as a superpower prerogative, saying the U.S. can set the rules in its hemisphere and enforce embargoes to control resources.
  3. This approach traces back to a Cheney-era energy strategy, showing the move is driven by long-standing energy geopolitics and could be used next against other suppliers like Iran.

Night Falls in Venezuela

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 918 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for a third term as president of Venezuela, despite accusations of a stolen election. Many Venezuelans protested, but the government responded with prison sentences for opponents.
  2. María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure, was briefly released from detention, sparking some hope for change. However, the overall situation remains dark and uncertain.
  3. Recent protests against Maduro were weaker compared to previous years, and important opposition leaders like Edmundo González Urrutia are still in exile. This gives a gloomy outlook for the future of democracy in Venezuela.

"Islamic Terrorists" on the Rio Grande? Truth and Myths.

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 511 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Exaggerated claims exist about jihadists crossing the border, but history shows Islamic terrorist groups in Latin America cannot be ignored.
  2. There have been confirmed cases of members of designated Islamic terrorist groups successfully crossing the southern border with credible links between drug traffickers and jihadists.
  3. While most terror attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11 have been by Americans, there is still a real history of incidents involving terrorists in Latin America and potential threats from jihadist connections in Mexico.

Breaking History Ep 31: The Ghost of United Fruit Still Haunts Latin America

Matt Ehret's Insights • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History Latin America
  1. The episode discusses the impact of 180 years of imperialism on Latin American nations, focusing on the legacy of United Fruit.
  2. It highlights how centuries of imperialism, economic warfare, and Anglo-American influence have contributed to poverty in Latin America.
  3. The post mentions the role of immigration in Latin America's struggles, tying it to ongoing operations influenced by London-directed agendas.

Latin America refuses to send Ukraine weapons, despite Western pressure

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have refused to send weapons to Ukraine despite pressure from the US and EU. Latin American left-wing leaders are advocating for peace and neutrality.
  2. Brazil's Lula declined Germany's request to ship tank munitions to Ukraine, emphasizing a focus on peace and multilateralism.
  3. Colombia's President Petro has taken a stance for peace, rejecting sending weapons to Ukraine and advocating for the end of war.

December 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Latin America
  1. The U.S. has carried out strikes tied to drug trafficking in Venezuela that officials have not fully explained, and reporting indicates the CIA used drones to hit a remote port linked to a gang.
  2. Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago after Russia launched heavy strikes on Kyiv; U.S. officials did not greet Zelensky while Trump praised and repeatedly consulted with Putin and pushed a peace approach critics say could cede Ukrainian territory.
  3. Documented past contacts between Trump allies and Russian interests, plus Russia’s economic strain from the war, suggest Putin is pushing for territorial concessions and sanctions relief, and critics worry Trump’s negotiating stance favors those Russian aims.

A New Dark Age

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Operation Absolute Resolve marks a turn away from the old international order toward blunt, resource-driven imperialism that sidesteps legal and congressional limits.
  2. The United States and its oil companies have long dominated Venezuela’s resources, and Chávez’s redistribution of oil revenue dramatically cut poverty and inequality.
  3. U.S. strategy shifted from coup support to harsh sanctions and economic strangulation that harmed civilians, showing bipartisan continuity and culminating in recent military moves that flout diplomatic norms.

A Meme War With Real Bullets

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The sudden abduction of a foreign leader looks a lot like past flashy interventions and raises real questions about its legality and what strategic purpose it actually serves.
  2. Such dramatic displays of power mainly send a message — they can frighten weaker countries into cozying up to rivals, hardening security, or building asymmetric ways to retaliate, which hurts long-term U.S. interests.
  3. A clever tactical operation is not the same as a strategy; tactical wins can embolden more risky interventions that may backfire and create bigger problems down the road.

Brazil and Argentina preparing new Latin American currency to 'reduce reliance on US dollar'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Brazil and Argentina are planning a new Latin American currency called the Sur to enhance regional trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
  2. The new currency proposal requires analysis of various factors like fiscal issues and economic size, with a cautious approach as it may take years to develop.
  3. The initiative stems from a shared desire to lessen dependence on the US dollar, driven by ideologically similar governments in Latin America.

Why it doesn't pay to make predictions

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Predictions often fail, so it's wiser not to make firm forecasts when information is limited.
  2. There is a genuine hope that Venezuela can be stabilized quickly and become democratic and prosperous, but the outcome is uncertain.
  3. Global events can be wildly surprising, and while dramatic scenarios are tempting to imagine, it's better to admit uncertainty than pretend to know the future.

"It's Not Great Power Politics. It's Old-Style Imperialism"

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. U.S. actions toward countries like Venezuela and Iran look more like old-style imperialism than normal great-power politics.
  2. Toppling Venezuela is politically and logistically far easier for the U.S. than trying to overthrow Iran, which would be much harder to achieve.
  3. Having the military ability to seize territory doesn’t mean you can easily force regime change in a resilient, complex state, so policymakers should recognize those limits.

Asking for Big Trouble in Venezuela

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The US move in Venezuela isn’t presented as traditional regime change or a push for democracy; it’s about installing a cooperative leadership and using economic pressure to control outcomes.
  2. This represents a form of old‑fashioned imperialism updated for the modern era — aiming to exploit Venezuela’s oil without boots on the ground, which frustrates neoconservatives who want democratization.
  3. The strategy is likely to fail, and the hope is that policymakers will cut their losses and withdraw rather than escalate further.

Latin America rejects coup in Peru, while US supports unelected regime killing protesters

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Latin America and the Caribbean countries condemn the coup in Peru and support President Pedro Castillo against the unelected regime.
  2. The US, along with right-wing governments, stands with the coup regime in Peru that has resorted to violence against protesters and suspended civil liberties.
  3. Peru's US-backed coup regime has faced strong opposition and condemnation from Latin American and Caribbean nations like Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, and Honduras.

JJM on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. A roundtable on Venezuela will be held at the Quincy Institute on January 6 from 2–3 pm EST.
  2. The panel is titled Interventionism on Steroids – The Trump Takeover of Venezuela, signaling a focus on U.S. intervention and Trump’s role in the crisis.
  3. A registration link is provided to watch the event, and the speaker will also appear on several podcasts that week to discuss events in Venezuela.

The energy wars. Are China and America on a collision course?

World Game • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. It asks whether China and America are heading toward a clash over energy interests.
  2. Observers point out a long-standing tendency to explain interventions by hidden energy motives, and now some people claim promoting democracy was the true reason for the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
  3. The Maduro operation sparked controversy and conspiracy theories even as President Trump offered a live public explanation, underlining tensions between official accounts and public suspicion.

'Free Julian Assange!' say Latin America's leftist leaders: Lula, AMLO, Petro, Maduro, Ortega, Kirchner, Evo, Zelaya

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Latin America's leftist leaders, including Lula and Maduro, are vocally demanding freedom for Julian Assange, highlighting a strong unified support for the persecuted journalist.
  2. These prominent figures emphasize Assange's journalistic contributions and expose concerns about his unfair imprisonment and risk of extradition to the US, where he faces severe charges.
  3. The movement reflects a broader global push for Assange's release, linking it to issues of press freedom, human rights, and government transparency.

JJM vs John Bolton on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The discussion centered on a reported U.S. plan to abduct Venezuela’s president, raising clear legal and ethical concerns.
  2. Two commentators tackled the same issues but reached sharply different conclusions about whether such an operation would be justified or wise.
  3. The exchange shows that U.S. intervention in Venezuela deeply divides expert opinion and fuels a broader debate over foreign policy and interventionism.

Trump's Colonial Adventure

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Latin America
  1. Reviving old imperial ideas like the Monroe Doctrine is a nostalgic 'second act' that doesn't match today's world and risks being ineffective or counterproductive.
  2. The push to intervene in places like Venezuela has no clear plan for what comes next and looks more like rhetoric and self-interest than a real strategy for building democracy.
  3. Earlier interventions at least had ideological justifications; today's approach feels like blunt bullying that ignores legitimacy, relies on proxies, and could repeat the mistakes that weakened past empires.

Inside Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution: 43 years resisting imperialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 23 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua emphasizes social programs, popular participation, and anti-imperialism.
  2. There is strong grassroots support for the Sandinista Front in Nicaragua, with President Ortega enjoying high approval ratings.
  3. Nicaragua has built solid infrastructure and provided security and social programs under the Sandinista government, receiving positive feedback from its citizens.

Crimes in the Caribbean

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Latin America
  1. The US is accused of carrying out lethal attacks on small boats in the Caribbean without justification, including follow-up strikes that killed survivors.
  2. Critics say there’s no evidence the victims were identified or posed a threat, and that the Navy or Coast Guard could verify who’s on those boats before using lethal force.
  3. Political leaders appear to be using these actions to show toughness, but many view this as bullying rather than true strength.

Biden says Latin America is US 'front yard,' Trump says 'backyard' - Pick your flavor of neocolonialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Republicans and Democrats are nearly identical, both serving the same capitalist interests.
  2. Biden and Trump have similar warmongering policies, with minor differences in their approach to Latin America.
  3. The US government's undemocratic nature prioritizes capital over people and perpetuates imperialist aggression.

Flailing Around Over Venezuela

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The Trump administration has made a mess of the situation in Venezuela and worsened diplomatic problems there.
  2. European governments are moving to seize Russian assets as part of broader geopolitical measures.
  3. Ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon are routinely violated by Israeli actions, showing they are fragile and often ignored.

Top Biden official: US would overthrow Colombia's new left-wing president 40 years ago

Geopolitical Economy Report • 139 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The top Latin America advisor for US President Joe Biden, Juan Sebastián González, hinted at US interference against Colombia's new left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, citing historical actions the US would have taken.
  2. González has a background in the State Department and National Security Council, and made the comments in Spanish during an interview with Colombian media.
  3. The new Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, has historical ties to the M-19 armed movement, has shown a shift in relations with Venezuela, and faced issues with US-influenced organizations like the Organization of American States.

Nicaragua leaving US-controlled, coup-plotting OAS: ‘We are not a colony’

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Nicaragua's Sandinista government has decided to leave the Organization of American States (OAS) due to its perceived interference by the United States.
  2. The OAS has historically been viewed as a tool of US geopolitical power in Latin America, orchestrating coups and supporting US interests.
  3. Nicaragua's decision to exit the OAS aligns with a trend in the region towards exploring alternative organizations like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

You're Invited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The group's upcoming session will focus on recent events in Venezuela and may also cover Iran and other major global developments.
  2. Anyone is welcome to join a Zoom discussion on Sunday at 4:30 pm Paris time, and the group stresses that it's friendly and open to interested subscribers.
  3. Readers are invited to continue reading this post for free, with a paid subscription offered for additional content.

Brazil’s ex-president Dilma Rousseff: US-China conflict is neoliberalism vs socialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff views the US-China conflict as a clash between neoliberalism and socialism, criticizing US sanctions and praising China's economic model for challenging US-led capitalism.
  2. Rousseff highlights the importance of Latin America asserting independence, aligning with China, and participating in institutions like BRICS to reduce unfair asymmetry in global economic institutions dominated by the US.
  3. The conflict between the US and China is not just political but a clash between two economic systems - neoliberalism and socialism. Rousseff points out issues with neoliberalism like income inequality and praises China's focus on equity and state intervention in the economy.

Latin American socialists unite with Axis of Resistance against Western imperialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 239 implied HN points • 17 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. Latin American socialist governments are forming alliances with anti-imperialist forces in West Asia to resist Western aggression and exploitation.
  2. The alliance between Latin America and West Asia challenges the dominant global political and economic order controlled by the United States and its allies.
  3. Collaboration between Latin American countries and Iran, as part of the Axis of Resistance, showcases a model of South-South integration to counter Western imperial hegemony.