The event was structured as a roundtable and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions. There were three main topics discussed: transnational organised crime, the United States’ approach to the region, and its involvement Venezuela. Dr Mia focused on the impact of transnational criminal organisations and how they have evolved to become more resilient. She explained that these groups have diversified their activities to include illegal mining, logging, and other environmental crimes. They have also begun to mimic the functions of the state in the areas they control, making them harder to dismantle through traditional policing. The discussion highlighted an often under-recognised facet of politics in Latin America and provided a valuable perspective to the discussion.
Dr Solar and Dr Uchoa discussed the relationship between the United States and Latin America, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency. They noted that this relationship has redefined what sovereignty and autonomy mean for Latin American states, as multilateral cooperation has become increasingly one-sided in decision making processes.
The United States has adopted an ‘America First’ approach in recent years, seeking to reassert US hegemony, encouraging Latin American governments to align with their values, and handle perceived threats such as drug trafficking and migration. Dr Solar also discussed the importance of the United States aligning with Latin America as a way of signalling strategic strength to China. They suggested that Latin America is therefore in a position of asymmetry, where governments expect them to align with the United States’ agenda for the region, while retaining opportunities to negotiate.
Dr Uchoa further developed this point by discussing the impacts of the United States’ involvement in Venezuela with the capture of Maduro. He discusses how, despite the intervention in Venezuela, the United States has prioritised stability in regional governments rather than pursuing radical institutional changes. He drew a parallel with Cuba, noting that while the United States has often sought regime change, the United States is mindful that the potential damage caused by intervention may outweigh the benefits.
The event provided an opportunity to explore how different facets of the regional context in Latin America interact and allowed attendees to engage with experts and listen to their thoughts on contemporary events. The discussion was particularly relevant, as it took place almost exactly two months after the United States military operation in Venezuela brought the region into the global spotlight. Drawing on the expertise of Dr Mia, Dr Solar, and Dr Uchoa, attendees gained an understanding of the evolving context in Latin America and how this impacts the decision-making by actors around the world.