Reflections after LASA: Latin American Academic Forum

The Forum offered a space to forge academic connections, reflect on the latest work in the field and takeaways from the LASA Congress.

John Crabtree started the forum by sharing excerpts from his latest book, Mining and the Peruvian State: Social and Environmental Sustainability. The forum discussed the ongoing role of illegal mining and the attempts to formalise the mining industry across the country. It is clear that mining will remain a crucial part of Peru’s economy to come. Next up, Tony Payán contributed an analysis of democracy in Latin America. He discussed the political culture in the region that often favours strong political figures who hang onto power, and the enduring power of criminal networks that are entangle with the state. The participants discussed the changing concept of sovereignty in the face of increased US involvement in the region.

The Academic Forum provided extensive coverage of the key elections upcoming in Latin America. Peru’s presidential election was in its final days, and the forum predicted continued uncertainty as the vote drew closer. In the case of Colombia, we are likely to see another close result as those that abstained in the first round become vital. Brazil is another important election taking place this year; President Lula will be up against Flavio Bolsonaro in a contest that is likely be decided by social media and ongoing political scandals. Finally, Argentina’s next Presidential elections will take place in 2027, and the economy will be crucial to deciding the outcome.

The afternoon closed with a brief discussion of the ongoing political situations in Chile and Mexico. President Kast of Chile has been struggling to get his agenda moving forward and faces a critical test in the upcoming reconstruction bill vote. Meanwhile in Mexico, Presidente Sheinbaum is continuing to grapple with changing US foreign policy, bringing the conversation back around to the questions of sovereignty.

Thank you to all of the participants in this Academic Forum, the day provided a valuable moment to share the latest political analysis and academic work on Latin America.