Pandemics, Protests, and Populism

Episode Narrative

In the span between 1991 and 2025, the Western Hemisphere underwent tumultuous changes, shaped profoundly by pandemics, protests, and populism. The Organization of American States, or OAS, emerged as an institutional embodiment of the Monroe Doctrine, a historical framework asserting U.S. influence over the region. This organization, meant to uphold democratic governance, market-based economics, and the protection of human rights, faced continuous challenges. Its effectiveness varied across different administrations, reflecting the shifting political landscape within and outside its member states.

The early 2000s marked a significant shift with what many described as a “left turn” in Latin America. Governments across the continent began to embrace social policies that countered decades of neoliberal practices. Countries reasserted the central role of the state, looking to alternative economic and development strategies that resonated more closely with the needs and values of their populations. This time marked a burgeoning politicization of regionalism, as debates around integration and free trade gained new momentum. These domestic changes were not isolated; they influenced international perceptions and interactions, particularly with the United States.

Simultaneously, Brazil emerged as a key player during this period. Under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from 2003 to 2010, Brazil fostered a "Strategic Dialogue" with the United States, reflecting its growing influence both regionally and globally. This partnership was a balancing act, as the U.S. found itself readjusting to a world where the post-Cold War dynamics had shifted, and where Brazil increasingly pursued its own interests, often in competition with U.S. priorities.

Yet, the economic landscape in Latin American nations was often turbulent. Between 2004 and 2022, currencies in Colombia, Chile, and Peru displayed a persistent volatility, susceptible to external shocks and unconventional monetary policies from the United States. This vulnerability underscored the fragility of emerging markets, and as these nations grappled with internal economic challenges, the broader political context continued to shift.

The 2010s brought forth a wave of divisiveness within democracies across the region. Politics became increasingly confrontational and polarized, giving rise to what many termed the "new polarization." The ability of democratic institutions to manage and resolve conflicts weakened as dissent grew louder and more pronounced. The struggles for power intensified, and the very fabric of democracy frayed under pressure, as voices that once sang in unity became discordant.

Meanwhile, Chile — a nation once celebrated as a model of economic success in Latin America — witnessed a significant policy regime change in 2014. Structural analyses revealed that internal factors were primarily to blame for the subsequent economic slowdown, overshadowing misleading narratives that attributed the crisis solely to external environments. A once-thriving system showed cracks, revealing deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities that fueled public discontent and unrest.

These tensions exploded in various forms of protest across the region, each calling for accountability and reform. The 2010s not only saw political rallies but also a vigor in civic engagement that threatened existing power structures. Demonstrations blossomed like wildflowers after a rain, permeating urban landscapes and drawing citizens from all walks of life into the streets. The demands for justice, equality, and transparency echoed through the hearts of many, challenging governments that often responded with forceful repression rather than meaningful engagement.

In this chaotic milieu, the United States under President Donald Trump announced a new policy toward Cuba in 2017. This shift partially rolled back previous efforts aimed at normalizing U.S.-Cuban relations, reinstating sanctions that had previously been relaxed. The move signaled a broader trend of waning American influence and involvement in Latin America's political evolution. The United States began adopting a realist transactional approach in its foreign policy, with particular emphasis on competition with China, sidelining long-standing allies within Europe and the Americas alike.

As the years turned, the geopolitical landscape evolved further. Josep Borrell’s “Garden and Jungle” speech in 2022 illustrated the European Union's shifting foreign policy narrative, moving away from a post-war commitment to soft power and embracing a more assertive stance. This evolving view emerged in response to crises like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where nations began reevaluating alliances and power structures.

By 2024, rhetoric such as "Make Europe Great Again!" signified more than just catchy phrases; it embodied a deep-rooted sentiment among European leaders longing for restored influence in a world seen as increasingly chaotic. Yet, as much as Europe sought to reestablish itself, Latin America faced its own crossroads. Countries across the region began reorienting trade relationships and investment patterns, particularly seizing opportunities for nearshoring as global dynamics shifted.

Despite these developments, the challenges remained daunting. By 2025, the region reported economic growth returning to long-term averages, and inflation levels contained. However, this economic resilience was punctuated by lingering risks — financial market volatility, potential trade fragmentation, and uncertainty surrounding policies in major economies posed severe threats. Amidst the optimism lay the recognition that foundational changes were necessary. Authorities needed to focus on improving human capital, strengthening institutional frameworks, and investing in crucial infrastructure to navigate these turbulent waters.

The intertwined fates of Ukraine and Latin America further illustrate the complexities of this contemporary tapestry. As Ukraine faced aggression from Russia, it reached out to Latin American nations, seeking alliances and support. Yet, interaction was hindered by significant barriers, notably the lack of mutual awareness about one another’s struggles.

Throughout the 1990s to 2010s, the proliferation of regional summits became a hallmark of Latin America’s shifting political landscape — 144 summits over nine years exemplified the vibrancy of diplomatic dialogue. However, this momentum waned, decreasing to a mere fraction by the latter half of the 2010s. The diminished frequency of these gatherings hinted at a troubling trend of reduced presidential engagement and stagnated regional cooperation.

In this context, while the United States maintained a dominant foothold in Latin America, the rise of China introduced formidable competition. The struggle for influence marked a potential “battle for the hearts and minds” of Latin American societies. The U.S.-China dynamic was managed with a sense of pragmatism, but the underlying tensions hinted at a future where allegiances could shift unpredictably.

As the years rolled into the 2020s, Latin America continued to grapple with the legacies of its past. Although the region democratized and brought an end to interstate wars, it remained the most violent region in the world. Efforts in democratization and peacebuilding often fell short, revealing the underlying structural violence that persisted. The liberal models of peacebuilding, while ambitious, achieved only superficial successes, leaving many on the margins seeking resolution amid chaos.

In this narrative of pandemics, protests, and populism, the story of Latin America becomes a mirror, reflecting the universal struggles of humanity for justice, dignity, and hope. As nations look to the future, one must ask: How will these collective experiences shape the course of history? What echoes of these past struggles will resound in the hearts of the next generation? The answers await us in the unfolding chapters of this vibrant, yet tumultuous, history.