Summary
Fulton Armstrong and Brian explore the origins of the migration challenges in Latin America, focusing on the push and pull factors that drive people to leave their home countries. They discuss the role of violence, weak institutions, and climate change as major drivers of migration. The conversation also delves into the issue of gangs and drug cartels in the region, highlighting their impact on violence and instability. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the challenges faced by Latin American countries in addressing these issues and the need for stronger institutions and regional cooperation. The conversation also explores U.S. policy in Latin America and the need for a consistent and inclusive approach.
Fulton is currently a senior fellow at American University’s Center for Latin American and Latino Studies. He followed Latin American affairs for almost 30 years in a number of U.S. government positions. He also worked and studied in Europe, Asia and Latin America for numerous years. From 2008-2011, he served as a senior professional staff member responsible for Latin America on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to this, Armstrong served at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana and subsequently as senior analyst at the CIA. He served two terms as the director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council (1995-97 and 1998-99), between which he was deputy NIO for Latin America.
Takeaways
- Migration challenges in Latin America are driven by a combination of push and pull factors, including violence, weak institutions, and climate change.
- Gangs and drug cartels play a significant role in perpetuating violence and instability in the region.
- Addressing migration challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening institutions, addressing root causes, and promoting regional cooperation.
- Some Latin American countries, such as El Salvador, have made efforts to address the drivers of migration, but long-term solutions are still needed. US policy in Latin America is incoherent and lacks inclusivity
Sound Bites
- “Migration is not a new issue. Internal migration is not a new issue either.”
- “There are push factors and pull factors. The perception in the hemisphere, south of the border, that our doors are open and that people can come up.”
- “Climate change. This region used to be able to look at your clock and say, it’s two o’clock, the rains are going to come.”
Notable Segments
- Origins of Migration Challenges
- Climate Change and Push Factors
- Addressing Violence and Gangs
- Drug Cartels and the War on Drugs
- Challenges of Crackdowns and Violence
- Decentralized Networks and Criminality
- Migration and Instability
- Building Strong Institutions
- Seeking Effective Models
- Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Latin America
To learn more about Fulton:
- American University bio: https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/fultona.cfm
- Syracuse University bio: https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/fulton-armstrong
This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.
Question for Brian? Email: info@brianjmatos.com or DM on X @BrianJMatos or find Brian on your favorite social media platform.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Recent Comments