Podcast appearances and mentions of evan ellis

Although geographically distant from Chinese shores, Latin America and the Caribbean occupy an important place in Chinese foreign policy. In the past decade, China has significantly expanded its influence in the region. The main vector of Chinese involvement has been economic, including securing access to commodities such as soybeans, copper, oil, and lithium, creating markets for Chinese companies, and deepening financial ties through trade, lending, and infrastructure investment.  On December 10, China released a new white paper on its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, the third such document following earlier editions in 2008 and 2016. The White Paper characterizes the region as “an essential force in the process toward a multipolar world and economic globalization.” Its release came on the heels of the Trump Administration's release of its National Security Strategy, which places unprecedented emphasis on the Western Hemisphere and asserts that the US seeks a region “free of hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets,” highlighting the growing strategic salience of Latin America and the Caribbean in US-China competition.  To discuss the new White Paper and the implications of China's policies in the LAC for the United States and US-China relations, we are joined by Dr. Evan Ellis. Dr. Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. He previously served on the Secretary of State's policy planning staff with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as international narcotics and law enforcement issues.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:07] US and China on a Collision Course? [04:50] Chinese Priorities in Latin America [08:33] U.S. Security Risks from Chinese Port Investments[11:45] How China Uses CELAC to Advance Its Agenda[14:27] How Latin Americans View China's Growing Presence[17:22] Honduras and the Republic of China[21:22] How Beijing Might Address U.S. Concerns [25:09] China's Reaction to US and Venezuela  

VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 1948 CARACAS

ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 1900 SANTIAGO

ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 1930

CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 1902 CARACAS

PREVIEW Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Summary: Professor Ellis discusses Venezuela's tragic fall from 1950s oil wealth to current dysfunction, attributing it to the "resource curse" and corruption. He explains how Hugo Chavezappealed to the forgotten poor to dismantle free markets and establish a criminal state involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. 1958 CARACAS ATTACKING NIXON

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Accepts Nobel Prize in Oslo: Colleague Evan Ellis reports on Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado accepting a Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo after escaping her country, outlining a new US national security strategy increasing military presence in the hemisphere and the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker. 1954

Caribbean Reactions to US Military Operations Against Venezuela: Colleague Evan Ellis analyzes Caribbean reactions to US military operations against Venezuela, noting support from the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, explaining that islands like Curacao and Aruba fear becoming targets, while political shifts in St. Vincent offer new cooperation opportunities. OCT 1958

Electoral Chaos in Honduras and Chile's Stark Choice: Colleague Evan Ellis describes electoral chaos in Honduras, where US-backed candidate Asfura leads amidst claims of irregularities and potential unrest, contrasting this with Chile's election where voters choose between conservative Kast and communist "Hara" due to fears of communism or desire for social rights. MARXH 1951

China's New White Paper on Latin America: Colleague Evan Ellis details China's new white paper on Latin America, which ignores US pressure and asserts a "full speed ahead" diplomatic and economic approach, emphasizing expanding infrastructure, technology, and security cooperation while securing access to critical commodities like copper. JAN 1963

PREVIEW — Evan Ellis — Honduras: Poverty, Corruption, and Migration Crisis. Ellis details the severe structural poverty and endemic corruption plaguing Honduras, characterized by institutionally weak governance frameworks systematically infiltrated by drug trafficking organizations and violent gangs including Mara Salvatucha and Mara 18, which exercise de facto control over substantial territorial jurisdictions. Ellis documents that despite significant recent reductions in homicide rates reflecting improved security conditions, Honduras remains fundamentally unstable, functioning as a major source of Central American and Caribbean migration toward Northern Triangle transit routes to the United States. Ellis notes that domestic Honduran political constituencies are increasingly demanding law-and-order governance and institutional reform to address gang violence, territorial control by criminal organizations, and the dysfunctional state capacity that perpetuates irregular migration and humanitarian crises. 1930 CARACAS

U.S. Gunboat Diplomacy: Venezuela Negotiations and Exile Arrangements — Evan Ellis — Ellis evaluates American military pressure against Venezuela, including threatened lethal strikes and special operations to forcibly remove Maduro from power. Ellis documents that Maduro is desperately negotiating for personal survival and comprehensive presidential pardons from potential prosecution. Ellis notes that Brazilian President Lula da Silvapossesses severely limited diplomatic leverage and capacity to broker exile asylum arrangements for Venezuelanleadership without risking domestic political backlash from Brazilian constituencies. 1909 VENEZUELA

Caribbean Geopolitical Shifts: Democratic Rightward Movement and Chinese Presence — Evan Ellis — Ellis reports on Caribbean political realignment, including rightward democratic electoral shifts in St. Vincent and expanded Dominican Republic security cooperation with U.S. military operations in regional counternarcotics and maritime enforcement. Ellis documents China's continued institutional presence throughout the Caribbean through hospital ship deployments and medical assistance programs in Jamaica, coupled with Beijing's political rhetoric opposing American hemispheric interventionism and reasserting Chinese claim to regional geopolitical influence. ST. VINCENT

                                     Honduras Election Chaos: Leftist Defeat and Geopolitical Implications — Evan Ellis — Ellis analyzes the chaotic Honduran presidential election wherein the ruling leftist Libre Party experienced electoral defeat after preliminary projections suggested victory. Ellis details the tight electoral race between centrist candidate Nasralla and Trump-endorsed candidate Asfura, warning that the electoral outcome will substantially impact U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation effectiveness and whether Honduras restores diplomatic recognition to Taiwan or maintains China relations. 1866

Peru's Political Violence and China's Strategic Resource Control — Evan Ellis — Ellis documents rising political violence throughout Peru, where presidential candidates now require permanent personal security details including bulletproof protective equipment amid pervasive civic insecurity. Ellis highlights China's deepening institutional influence over Peruvian politics and economy through the "Chinese construction club" corruption nexus. Ellisemphasizes Beijing's strategic control over Peruvian copper mining and Pacific port infrastructure, resources strategically essential for global AI technological manufacturing and supply chain security. 1945

1/4   The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1918

2/4   The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1918

3/4   The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1930

4/4   The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1940

Professor Evan Ellis discusses Argentina's economic stabilization under President Milei, who resisted dollarization by bringing the peso to a stable, free-market rate through aggressive spending cuts and US/IMF support. This success under the new US "econ

Professor Evan Ellis discusses Argentina's economic stabilization under President Milei, who resisted dollarization by bringing the peso to a stable, free-market rate through aggressive spending cuts and US/IMF support. This success under the new US "econ

Professor Evan Ellis discusses Argentina's economic stabilization under President Milei, who resisted dollarization by bringing the peso to a stable, free-market rate through aggressive spending cuts and US/IMF support. This success under the new US "economic Monroe Doctrine" sends a strong signal to the Americas, aimed at countering China's rapid expansion. Ellis also reviews US military readiness near Venezuela and political shifts toward the center-right in Bolivia and potentially Chile, though these nations remain economically engaged with China. 1898 Caracas

Professor Evan Ellis discusses Argentina's economic stabilization under President Milei, who resisted dollarization by bringing the peso to a stable, free-market rate through aggressive spending cuts and US/IMF support. This success under the new US "econ

The Multi-Geographic War on Drugs and Latin American Politics Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Professor Evan Ellis details the complex, multi-geographic war on drugs, noting the Department of Defense is leading strikes against designated terrorist groups, including Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford Battle Group to the Caribbean raises speculation about potential land strikes against criminal leadership in Venezuela, though this carries considerable geopolitical risks. Ellis also discusses the surprising electoral success of Argentina's President Javier Milei, which strengthens the center-right political trend across Latin America.

The Multi-Geographic War on Drugs and Latin American Politics Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Professor Evan Ellis details the complex, multi-geographic war on drugs, noting the Department of Defense is leading strikes against designated terrorist groups, including Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford Battle Group to the Caribbean raises speculation about potential land strikes against criminal leadership in Venezuela, though this carries considerable geopolitical risks. Ellis also discusses the surprising electoral success of Argentina's President Javier Milei, which strengthens the center-right political trend across Latin America.

The Multi-Geographic War on Drugs and Latin American Politics Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Professor Evan Ellis details the complex, multi-geographic war on drugs, noting the Department of Defense is leading strikes against designated terrorist groups, including Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford Battle Group to the Caribbean raises speculation about potential land strikes against criminal leadership in Venezuela, though this carries considerable geopolitical risks. Ellis also discusses the surprising electoral success of Argentina's President Javier Milei, which strengthens the center-right political trend across Latin America. 1910 PERU

Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. 1890 ARGENTINE GAUCHOS

Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership.

Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. 1865 LIMA

Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership.

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 29224 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ESCALATION OF RHETORIC IN THE UKRAINE WAR,.. FIRST HOUR 9-915 US-Russia Summit in Budapest Amid Ukraine Escalation Fears. Anatol Lieven discusses how US President Trump and Russian President Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict following a productive call. The meeting, hosted in Viktor Orbán's Hungary, aims to reduce extreme tensions and avoid direct clashes between Russia and NATO. Discussion points include potential territorial compromise in Donbas and concerns over deploying Tomahawk missiles, which Russia views as a major escalation. 915-930 US-Russia Summit in Budapest Amid Ukraine Escalation Fears. Anatol Lieven discusses how US President Trump and Russian President Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict following a productive call. The meeting, hosted in Viktor Orbán's Hungary, aims to reduce extreme tensions and avoid direct clashes between Russia and NATO. Discussion points include potential territorial compromise in Donbas and concerns over deploying Tomahawk missiles, which Russia views as a major escalation. 930-945 China's Tech Espionage and the Difficulty of Reverse Engineering Advanced Chip Tools. Chris Riegel discusses how TSMC and ASML technology face constant threats from Chinese industrial espionage. ASML's chipmaking tools are highly complex, making reverse engineering nearly impossible. Europe is waking up to the risks; recently, the Dutch government seized China-owned chipmaker Nexperia. China is estimated to be two to three years behind US high-end chip technology and requires access to advanced ASML tools to catch up. 945-1000 Hostage Situation and Political Realities in Gaza Ceasefire. Cliff May explains how the Gaza ceasefire focuses on the return of hostages, with 19 (including two Americans) still unaccounted for. Hamas is suspected of withholding hostages to retain bargaining power and resist relinquishing political control in phase two of the peace plan. Rhetoric about regional forces disarming Hamas is dismissed. May notes that in the Middle East, there are only permanent battles, viewing the current truce as a hudna, allowing jihadists to regroup and rearm. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1015-1030 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1030-1045 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1045-1100 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1115-1130 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1130-1145 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1145-1200 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 US Military Pressure Campaigns Maduro Amid Silence from Regional Allies. Mary Anastasia O'Grady explains how Venezuela's illegitimate leader, Maduro, faces escalating pressure from the US, including a Navy flotilla, B-52 flights, and authorized CIA operations. The goal is to compel Maduro and his generals, who profit from transnational crime, to flee. The silence from traditional allies like Russia and China suggests they lack political justification to defend Maduro's record. However, Mexico's president offered no comment regarding Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, reflecting leftist sympathies. 1215-1230 Tariffs Harm Consumers, Reduce Hiring, and Cause Customs Backlogs. Veronique De Rugy explains how tariffs are costing American consumers and businesses over 80% of the expense, leading to higher prices and reduced corporate margins. The tariff policy is harming the job market, causing 40% of CEOs to pause hiring and investments. Customs authorities are overwhelmed by the volume of small packages now requiring assessment, causing significant backlogs and lost goods for consumers. Special interests are expanding the tariff application to derivative products, such as peanut butter packaged in metal containers. 1230-1245 Russia Debates Orbit and Costs for Post-ISS Space Station. Anatoly Zak explains how Roscosmos faces a debate over the orbit of its new space station: a low-inclination 51-degree orbit or a more expensive near-polar orbit. The polar orbit offers strategic Arctic observation but increases radiation risk and reduces payload capacity. Economic realities may push Roscosmos toward the cheaper 51-degree orbit, possibly using existing ISS infrastructure, to ensure an operational station for cosmonauts by 2031. 1245-100 AM Russia Debates Orbit and Costs for Post-ISS Space Station. Anatoly Zak explains how Roscosmos faces a debate over the orbit of its new space station: a low-inclination 51-degree orbit or a more expensive near-polar orbit. The polar orbit offers strategic Arctic observation but increases radiation risk and reduces payload capacity. Economic realities may push Roscosmos toward the cheaper 51-degree orbit, possibly using existing ISS infrastructure, to ensure an operational station for cosmonauts by 2031.

US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1902 CARACAS

US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1941 ECUADOR

US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1916 AMAZON BORDER

US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1913 ARGENTINA

PREVIEW HEADLINE: Venezuela's Post-Maduro Challenge: Securing Military Loyalty in a Brief Transition Window GUEST: Evan Ellis, Professor, US Army War College 100-WORD SUMMARY: John Batchelor hosts Professor Evan Ellis to discuss the challenges facing Venezuela following the presumptive departure of Maduro, who heads the illegitimate Caracas regime and is named as the head of a drug cartel. The conversation focuses on the elected president, Edmundo González, and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado. Machado and González insist they are the elected government and their transition is not a regime change. Professor Ellis emphasizes that the timeline is critical. Since the US likely "won't necessarily be sticking around" to establish the transition to a democratic order, González and Machado will face a "very brief window and a very difficult task." Key challenges include establishing order and securing the loyalty of military personnel whose prior bosses were aligned with Maduro. 1900 CARACAS Retry

US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. SURINAME

US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1910 PORTO VELHO

US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva.

US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. COLOMBIA

HEADLINE: The Attack on Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa and the Backstory of Indigenous Protest GUEST NAME: Evan Ellis SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Evan Ellis about the attack on Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa by indigenous protesters. The unstable country faces violence and narcoterrorism. Protests, led by CONAIE, intensified after Noboa eliminated a costly diesel fuel subsidy. The radicalized community threw stones at his motorcade, which a minister called an assassination attempt.

HEADLINE: Latin American Political Volatility and US Engagement GUEST NAME: Evan Ellis SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Evan Ellis about political instability across Latin America. In Argentina, peso volatility reflects investor doubts about President Milei's survival following election losses and corruption scandals. Despite strong economic fundamentals (poverty reduced to 32%, 3% growth), the US Treasury provided unprecedented support with a $20 billion swap agreement. In Venezuela, Maduro's illegitimate regime lost overwhelmingly to Edmundo Gonzalez in July 2024. The US deployed eight ships and considers limited strikes against the "Cartel de los Soles" leadership. Brazil's Lula might offer Maduro asylum to resolve the crisis while opposing US pressure. Colombia faces chaos under President Petro, whose failed "total peace" policies increased violence. After Petro urged US soldiers to disobey orders, America pulled his diplomatic visa, damaging security cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum enjoys 78% popularity and achieved a 20% homicide reduction. The critical priority remains USMCA renegotiation, preventing Chinese companies from using Mexico as a US market pass-through. 1930 BOLIVAR IN CARACAS

HEADLINE: Latin American Political Volatility and US Engagement GUEST NAME: Evan Ellis SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Evan Ellis about political instability across Latin America. In Argentina, peso volatility reflects investor doubts about President Milei's survival following election losses and corruption scandals. Despite strong economic fundamentals (poverty reduced to 32%, 3% growth), the US Treasury provided unprecedented support with a $20 billion swap agreement. In Venezuela, Maduro's illegitimate regime lost overwhelmingly to Edmundo Gonzalez in July 2024. The US deployed eight ships and considers limited strikes against the "Cartel de los Soles" leadership. Brazil's Lula might offer Maduro asylum to resolve the crisis while opposing US pressure. Colombia faces chaos under President Petro, whose failed "total peace" policies increased violence. After Petro urged US soldiers to disobey orders, America pulled his diplomatic visa, damaging security cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum enjoys 78% popularity and achieved a 20% homicide reduction. The critical priority remains USMCA renegotiation, preventing Chinese companies from using Mexico as a US market pass-through. 1913 ARGENTINA

HEADLINE: Latin American Political Volatility and US Engagement GUEST NAME: Evan Ellis SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Evan Ellis about political instability across Latin America. In Argentina, peso volatility reflects investor doubts about President Milei's survival following election losses and corruption scandals. Despite strong economic fundamentals (poverty reduced to 32%, 3% growth), the US Treasury provided unprecedented support with a $20 billion swap agreement. In Venezuela, Maduro's illegitimate regime lost overwhelmingly to Edmundo Gonzalez in July 2024. The US deployed eight ships and considers limited strikes against the "Cartel de los Soles" leadership. Brazil's Lula might offer Maduro asylum to resolve the crisis while opposing US pressure. Colombia faces chaos under President Petro, whose failed "total peace" policies increased violence. After Petro urged US soldiers to disobey orders, America pulled his diplomatic visa, damaging security cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum enjoys 78% popularity and achieved a 20% homicide reduction. The critical priority remains USMCA renegotiation, preventing Chinese companies from using Mexico as a US market pass-through. 1907 BOGOTA

HEADLINE: Latin American Political Volatility and US Engagement GUEST NAME: Evan Ellis SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Evan Ellis about political instability across Latin America. In Argentina, peso volatility reflects investor doubts about President Milei's survival following election losses and corruption scandals. Despite strong economic fundamentals (poverty reduced to 32%, 3% growth), the US Treasury provided unprecedented support with a $20 billion swap agreement. In Venezuela, Maduro's illegitimate regime lost overwhelmingly to Edmundo Gonzalez in July 2024. The US deployed eight ships and considers limited strikes against the "Cartel de los Soles" leadership. Brazil's Lula might offer Maduro asylum to resolve the crisis while opposing US pressure. Colombia faces chaos under President Petro, whose failed "total peace" policies increased violence. After Petro urged US soldiers to disobey orders, America pulled his diplomatic visa, damaging security cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum enjoys 78% popularity and achieved a 20% homicide reduction. The critical priority remains USMCA renegotiation, preventing Chinese companies from using Mexico as a US market pass-through. 1913 MEXICO CITY

Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1910 VENEZUELA

Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1886 COLOMBIA

Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1910 PERU

Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1930 ARGENTINA

Evan Ellis at the US Army War College analyzes how Argentine President Javier Milei's economic success is threatened after the Peronist opposition united, causing investors to panic and the peso to fall, mirroring previous difficulties. BUENOS AIRES