Show Notes for Part 2 of Brian’s Interview with Fulton Armstrong, This Segment on Latin American Foreign Policy Views

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Demographics, Geopolitics, Politics and Policy

Summary

Part 2 of Brian’s conversation with Fulton Armstrong explores the global geopolitical perspective of Latin American nations. Fulton discusses the impact of Chinese influence in the region and the perception that the United States has stepped back from regional leadership. The conversation also touches on the internal political situation in Venezuela and the role of neighboring countries in finding a long-term solution. The discussion includes a segment on how Latin American nations think about the concept of “The Global South” and the changing dynamics in the global political, security, economic and cultural alliances. Brian and Fulton also discuss Latin American political leaders’ public views on various geopolitical hot topics from climate change to the Russia/Ukraine war to Middle East conflict zones.

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

  • Chinese influence in Latin America is growing, while the US has disengaged
  • Comprehensive immigration reform is needed to address the root causes of migration
  • Neighboring countries play a crucial role in finding a solution in Venezuela
  • The concept of the global South is a useful analytical construct in understanding Latin American politics

Sound Bites

  • “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.”
  • “We are seized with Chinese influence in Latin America.”

Notable Segments

  • Neighboring Countries and the Venezuelan Crisis
  • Latin America’s Position on the Middle East Conflict
  • The Future of Latin America: Trends and Challenges

To learn more about Fulton:

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