Looking at US Policy for Latin America in 2026

Описание: In a far-reaching conversation, we look ahead to 2026 and assess the likely implications of US policy towards Latin America under a second Trump administration.

The discussion examines how Washington is navigating relations with Venezuela, including continued engagement with the Maduro government despite its ideological commitments and democratic record. We explore whether there is any realistic prospect of democratic restoration, and how energy, sanctions and geopolitics are shaping US decisions.

We also assess how President Trump’s relationship with President Sheinbaum in Mexico may evolve, whether the United States is likely to intervene directly or indirectly in elections in Brazil, Colombia and Peru, and how Cuba fits into Washington’s broader regional strategy.

Joining the podcast is Jon Bonfiglio, analyst and journalist based in Latin America, who brings regional context to US strategic thinking, electoral interference, sanctions policy and the limits of American leverage across the hemisphere.

In this episode, we discuss:

US engagement with Venezuela and the limits of sanctions policy

Prospects for democratic change under Nicolás Maduro

Trump, Mexico and the Sheinbaum relationship

Electoral intervention risks in Brazil, Colombia and Peru

Cuba, sanctions and strategic continuity

US leverage, credibility and regional influence in 2026

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:10 US policy priorities for Latin America in 2026
03:40 Venezuela, Maduro and sanctions strategy
07:05 Democratic restoration and political leverage
10:30 Energy, oil licences and geopolitical trade-offs
14:00 Mexico, Sheinbaum and US strategic interests
18:45 Brazil, Colombia and Peru: electoral intervention risks
24:50 Cuba and the future of US-Cuba relations
29:30 Limits of US influence across Latin America
34:45 Final reflections

Listen to the full podcast:
https://www.latinnews.com/podcast

Read more from Jon Bonfiglio:
https://www.latinamericacorrespondent...

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