New polls reveal changing attitudes about the midterms, U.S.–Mexico ties, and global powers. Experts from Pew, the U.S.–Mexico Foundation, and AMLAT Radar unpack the data.
A regional rightward tilt, tariff tensions, and a more muscular U.S. foreign policy: geopolitical dynamics in the Americas are witnessing tectonic shifts. As we kickstart a new season of Latin America in Focus, we’re delving deep into how these shifts are affecting U.S. and Latin American perceptions of themselves, each other, and the world around them, bringing together conversations with experts who are surveying views across the hemisphere.
Ahead of November’s midterm elections in the United States, Pew Research Center’s Mark Hugo Lopez and Gabriel Piña talks with AS/COA Online’s Chase Harrison about why voter turnout among this fast-growing bloc will be decisive, with pocketbook issues top of mind and presidential approval rating slipping among Latino Trump voters.
Then, host Carin Zissis speaks with U.S–Mexico Foundation Managing Director Enrique Perret about the economic and security concerns shaping U.S. voter views on Mexico, and why Americans are increasingly wary of U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods, saying: “We now have 19 months with tariffs, and I think people are saying, ‘That’s enough. You used the tool, but now it’s affecting the prices of goods in America—the price of construction, vehicles, food, everything.’”
But Latin Americans are also shifting in their view of the world. International relations analyst Monica Hirst talks with AS/COA’s Luisa Leme about the AMLAT Radar, a survey of 10 Latin American countries supported by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, saying: “You don't have a perception in the region that there are hegemonic powers in place,” adding that the region’s citizens instead have “pragmatic,” multipolar perspectives on foreign policy in which the United States, China, and Europe each play distinct roles.
This episode was produced by Executive Producer Luisa Leme and Associate Producer Khalea Robertson. Carin Zissis is your host.
Read the surveys referenced in this episode:
If you enjoyed this episode, write us a review and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice. Send us feedback: latamfocus@as-coa.org
The music in the podcast is “Me Gusta Soñar” performed by C4 Trío for Americas Society. Find out about upcoming concerts at musicoftheamericas.org. Share your love for Latin America: Join Americas Society.