In recent years, Beijing’s strong foothold in Latin America has caused anxiety in Washington, particularly amid the recent resurgence of left-wing governments in South America. But although Beijing has made considerable gains in the region at Washington’s expense, claims about China’s influence there might be overstated.
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez’s recent address to the nation, in which he was expected to roll out his proposed policies to address the country’s economic crisis ahead of elections later this year, did not go as planned. The speech was poorly received and represented a missed opportunity to reshape the political narrative.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is suddenly facing two scandals triggered by the alleged misdeeds of his son and brother. The question now is whether his family matters will turn out to be much ado about not very much, or the kind of controversy that cripples his presidency, which is still only in its first year.
