In 2025, María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for defending Venezuelan democracy. In 2023, Narges Mohammadi was awarded for her human rights activism in Iran, despite imprisonment. Current protests in Iran, fueled by economic crises and lost support from merchants, challenge the regime’s legitimacy, with calls for significant systemic change.
U.S. pressure on Mexico may compel significant decisions regarding organized crime and Cuba following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. The evolving political landscape threatens Mexico’s stability, as internal dynamics and the potential influence of Cuban intelligence could impact regional security. Mexico’s pragmatic governance faces increased scrutiny from the U.S. amidst rising crime challenges.
Historian Niall Ferguson discusses President Trump’s decision to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, labeling it as overdue. He analyzes U.S. intervention history in Latin America, introduces the “Trump Corollary,” and evaluates the potential risks of regime change while considering global consequences involving China, Iran, and regional power dynamics.
The year 2026 marks significant geopolitical instability, driven by an unpredictable U.S. political shift and ongoing global conflicts. While some nations, like China and India, bolster their positions, Europe faces heightened challenges. An AI revolution is also underway, complicating governance. The global landscape is turbulent, with lasting implications for future generations.
The power of weapons is evident. A country that spends nearly $200 billion annually on defense, invests around $200 million daily, and, at least in theoretical terms, has the best army in the world, should be able to impose its will. Both the United States and Russia boast cutting-edge armed forces, but recent experience has shown that theoretical superiority does not guarantee victory.
With Nicolás Maduro’s forced removal from Venezuela, a new historical stage begins in the relationship between the United States and Latin America. As Marco Rubio said at the press conference on the same day as the military action in Caracas, “those who did not believe we would act, take note: we did act, and we are serious.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 allowed Eastern European nations to reshape their political and economic landscapes. While countries like Poland thrived under effective leadership, Mexico’s current government, lacking opposition and relying on flawed policies, is likely headed for stagnation. This raises concerns about the sustainability of its strategies.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry disclosed a confidential list of 14 countries with security personnel in Mexico, revealing a potential weakness in diplomatic relations. Notably absent are nations like Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela, prompting questions about Mexico’s transparency and complicity in espionage. This situation undermines Mexico’s credibility and complicates future foreign negotiations.
Democracy is a complex concept that varies in interpretation, providing a framework for governance and legitimacy in society. Mexico’s current Morena government has approached democracy in a literal sense, raising concerns about its procedural integrity and the representation of public preferences. The quality of democracy in Latin America remains critically at stake.
The end of the year reflects a challenging global climate, with wars and economic instability. Trump’s administration has shifted power dynamics in the U.S., sidelining traditional political structures. The upcoming USMCA renegotiation will be crucial for regional economic stability, as issues of leadership ineptitude underline a deeper crisis in democracy and governance.