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This episode examines the aftermath of Peru's first-round presidential election held on April 12, 2025, recorded just five days later with results still not fully finalized. Host Adam Isacson speaks with Cynthia McClintock, a professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University who has studied Peruvian politics for over four decades. The conversation describes an extraordinarily fragmented and polarized electoral landscape. With 35 candidates on the ballot, the leading vote-getter—Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former authoritarian president Alberto Fujimori—led the count with only about 17 percent of the vote. The race for second place remained too close to call between Roberto Sánchez, a leftist candidate running under the mantle of impeached former president Pedro Castillo, and Rafael López Aliaga, a right-wing populist who served as mayor of Lima. The runoff, between candidates who will combine for less than 30 percent of the first-round vote, is scheduled for June 7th. McClintock traces Peru's current political dysfunction to the period following the 2016 election, during which Fujimori's party discovered the power of congressional impeachment. Peru has cycled through nine presidents in ten years, and McClintock argues that a corrupt governing coalition has consolidated power, particularly since Castillo's impeachment in December 2022. The discussion highlights the deep geographic and cultural divisions in Peruvian society. The gap between Lima and "las provincias"—Indigenous-majority rural and mountainous regions—manifests starkly in voting patterns. This division traces back centuries and reflects ongoing perceptions of discrimination and exclusion, even as economic indicators have improved. Organized crime and security are voters' primary concerns. While Peru's homicide rate remains low by regional standards, it has more than doubled since 2021-2022. Extortion has become particularly urgent. Yet paradoxically, Peru's economy continues to grow, buoyed by high commodity prices for copper and gold, though much mining activity is illegal and environmentally devastating. McClintock expresses concern about the future of accountability and democratic institutions. The newly reconstituted Senate grants Fujimori's party approximately one-third of seats, with significant power over appointments. On U.S.-Peru relations, she notes the current government has stayed under Washington's radar and is proceeding with a $3.5 billion F-16 purchase, though the Chinese-built Chancay port remains a potential point of tension. The episode concludes with McClintock explaining how the chaotic 35-candidate field happened by design: Fujimori's party had previously canceled a primary voting provision that would have winnowed the field, calculating that extreme fragmentation would allow them to win with a small plurality. Despite the grim political outlook, McClintock emphasizes the resilience of Peru and its people. Download this podcast episode's .mp3 file here. Listen to WOLA's Latin America Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. The main feed is here.
Experience the heartbeat of democracy in Latin America through the eyes of Dr. Cynthia McClintock, a distinguished expert whose insights illuminate the region's ongoing struggle between authoritarian rule and the quest for freedom. In this episode, we discuss the complex political tapestry of Latin America, where the aspirations of the people are often caught in a tug-of-war with the ambitions of their leaders. From the democratic resilience seen in Brazil and Colombia to the concerning authoritarian trends in El Salvador and Venezuela, our conversation spans the spectrum of governance in this vibrant and strategically pivotal region.We untangle the geopolitical web of interests that make Latin America more than just a neighbor to the United States, but a partner whose fate resonates on the world stage. We scrutinize the strategic significance of the region's abundant resources, delve into the intricate implications of foreign relationships, and examine the United States' role in nurturing democratic institutions amid growing influence from global powers like China and Russia. The discussion probes the delicate dance of international relations and environmental stewardship, as these nations grapple with the dual challenges of development and democratic governance.Finally, we confront the specter of polarization and democratic backsliding that casts a shadow across Latin American politics. Analyzing the rise of political figures who capitalize on the demands for stability, we reveal the perils of compromised judicial systems and the potential for authoritarian entrenchment. Yet, in the face of such adversity, we find pockets of hope and resilience, as exemplified by Chile's vibrant electoral scene and Cuba's tenacious civic movements. This is an essential exploration for anyone invested in the future of democracy and the global struggle for human rights and accountable governance. Recommended:Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America - Cynthia McClintock-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:InstagramPost.newsYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com **Artwork: Dovi Design **Music: Joystock
Protests continue to roil Peru following political moves by the President and Congress in December. We speak with Cynthia McClintock, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the George Washington University, about what this means for democracy in Peru and what to watch going forward.
A multifaceted approach is needed to repair the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America.
Host Benjamin Gedan sits down with Cynthia McClintock, a professor at George Washington University, a former Wilson Center fellow and the author of “Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America,” to discuss the story behind Argentina's quirky election system and the moderating power of a presidential runoff.
Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University gives an overview of the current political moment in Peru, where an ongoing anti-corruption drive, spurred by the good work of investigative reporters and prosecutors, has been a relative good news story.
Voters in Peru will go to the polls to elect a new Congress this Sunday, after President Martin Vizcarra dissolved the previous one last October. For this week’s interview on Trend Lines, WPR’s Elliot Waldman discusses the outlook for this weekend’s elections with Peru expert Cynthia McClintock. If you like what you hear on Trend Lines and what you’ve read on WPR, you can sign up for our free newsletter to get our uncompromising analysis delivered straight to your inbox. The newsletter offers a free preview article every day of the week, plus three more complimentary articles in our weekly roundup every Friday. Sign up here. Then subscribe. Relevant Articles on WPR: An Unprecedented Constitutional Crisis Divides Peru. But Who Is to Blame? Was Vizcarra’s Showdown With Congress the Right Way to Fight Corruption in Peru? Peru’s Accidental President Hits His Stride by Taking on Corruption What Kuczynski’s Downfall Means for His Successor, and Peru Trend Lines is produced and edited by Peter Dörrie, a freelance journalist and analyst focusing on security and resource politics in Africa. You can follow him on Twitter at @peterdoerrie. To send feedback or questions, email us at podcast@worldpoliticsreview.com.
After a long year of elections in Latin America, Adam talks to Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University, author of a new book that argues for the importance of holding runoff elections, which has brought more democratic outcomes in the region.
The controversial presidential election in Peru is the centerpiece of discussion this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes two interviews recorded at the recent Latin American Studies Association (LASA) meetings in New York City with two of the top experts on Peruvian politics. Besides providing details about the two challengers Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the program also talks about the legacy of corruption left by Fujimori's father, Alberto, who once was Peru's dictator but is now serving time for his various crimes. The program also discusses the recent scandals haunting the Fujimori campaign.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; andJo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. (To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticsPerucorruptionelectionsDEATPPKeiko FujimoriAlberto FujimoritourismPedro Pablo KuczynskiDrug Enforcement Administrationhuman rightsPanama PapersDrug WarmediademocracyBarack ObamaOllanta HumalaHillary ClintonUnited StatesVladimiro Montesinospovertyeconomics
A controversial presidential race in Peru and seeking justice in El Salvador provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes how protest marches and concerns raised by the Organization of American States (OAS) may impact the voting in Peru after several candidates were removed from the ballot. The program also traces moves toward justice in the massacre of Jesuit priests and religious workers in El Salvador; a case that began in 1989. The news segment of the program outlines the report known as the Panama Papers and how those revelations may affect politicians in Argentina and Mexico.The program includes in-depth interviews with:Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; andGeoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; andProduction Assistant: Brittney Madison.(To download or stream this podcast, click here.) (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 42 MB.) podcastnewsLatin AmericapoliticselectionsPanamaPeruMexicocorruptionUnited StatesPanama PapersArgentinaMauricio Macriprotest movementKeiko FujimoriAlberto Fujimorihuman rightsCristina Fernandez de KirchnerGeorge H. W. BushEnrique Pena NietoJuan Carlos VarelaPedro Pablo KuczynskiInocente Orlando MontanoLuis AlmagroEl SalvadorCentral Americacivil warJulio GuzmanCesar AcunaRonald ReaganOASJesuitsmassacrereligionjusticecoupdictatorshipdemocracySpainmilitaryGuatemalamilitaryamnesty
Cynthia McClintock, professor of political science and international affairs, discusses possible paths forward for Venezuela given Hugo Chavez's ongoing health issues.