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AQ Podcast | Gustavo Petro: The Gap Between Rhetoric and Reality
At the halfway point of his presidency, Petro is still trying to deliver on his vision for a more equal and secure Colombia, while also dealing with a difficult economic climate. What can we expect from his next two years in office?
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Colombia’s Uncertainty Is Sinking Investment and More
Economic and political instability could spell trouble for growth. However, the government has a new chance to put the country back on track.
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Petro’s Environmental Record Is Full of Contradictions
As this October’s COP16 summit approaches, is Colombia ready to set real commitments to protect biodiversity?
![Demonstrators against Colombian President Gustavo Petro's reform proposals gather at a Feb. 2023 protest in Bogotá. Petro’s pension reform now tests the Colombian Senate.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PetroPensionsProtest-300x200.jpg)
Petro’s Pension Reform Tests Colombian Senate
Despite having a minority in the upper house, the ruling Pacto Histórico may get the toned-down proposal approved. The House of Representatives will be tougher.
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In Colombia, Petro Faces Challenges on All Sides
The left-wing administration confronts mounting political setbacks, economic slowdown and unforced errors.
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AQ Podcast: How to Think About Latin America’s Security Crisis
An expert with firsthand knowledge discusses new crime dynamics and ways forward.
![Argentine President-elect Javier Milei (left); Chilean President Gabriel Boric (center); Colombian President Gustavo Petro (right).](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MileiBoric-Petro-2-300x200.png)
What Javier Milei Can Learn from Others’ Mistakes
The presidents of Chile and Colombia overestimated their mandates. Argentina’s next leader can avoid a similar path.
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The Coming Crisis for Latin America’s Left-Wing Leaders
Social democrats now rule much of the region—but anti-incumbency, weak parties and more may soon make them an endangered species.
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The Risks to Colombia’s Delicate ELN Ceasefire
Both sides of the negotiations must address three key topics for peace efforts to go forward.
![President of Colombia Gustavo Petro delivers remarks during a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa (not seen) at the end of their bilateral meeting in which they discussed cooperation on energy and drug trafficking combat at the PM official residence in Sao Bento, on May 06](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1487952175-300x199.jpeg)
Colombia Is Missing Its Opportunity on Clean Energy
President Gustavo Petro’s shunning of fossil fuels is not helping improve the country’s environmental status.
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AQ Podcast: A Sober Look at Colombia
As a convoluted scandal unfolds, Laura Lizarazo assesses what it means for Petro’s progressive agenda
![President Gustavo Petro is weathering a scandal involving wiretaps and accusations of using drug money.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1258379140-300x199.jpg)
Gustavo Petro’s Biggest Crisis Yet
While many details remain unclear, a scandal involving two former aides could permanently paralyze Petro’s agenda.
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REACTION: Petro’s Cabinet Purge: Ocampo Out
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has asked his entire Cabinet to resign as his administration faces its most serious ministerial crisis to date.
![Gustavo Petro, Colombia's president, left, and Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, meet at the Tienditas International Bridge in Cucuta, Colombia, on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. During the meeting near the border, the heads of state signed a memorandum of understanding focused on modernizing trade rules between Colombia and Venezuela. Photographer: Ferley Ospina/Bloomberg via Getty Images](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1247205407-300x200.jpeg)
Gustavo Petro Can’t Ignore Human Rights in Venezuela
At his summit on Venezuela, Colombia’s president must demand respect for democracy and the environment, writes a former Venezuelan mayor.
![Colombia's Defense Minister Iván Velásquez has to contend with armed guerrillas and military corruption.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AQ0223_VELAZQUEZ-THUMB-300x183.jpg)
Iván Velásquez Is Facing His Toughest Challenge Yet
As Colombia’s defense minister, the former anti-corruption crusader is challenging criminal groups—and the military tasked with confronting them.