James Bosworth on the "Orange Wave" Happening Across Latin America

Latin American politics are undergoing a significant transformation as the Trump administration shifts its focus toward the Western Hemisphere, fostering a wave of leaders who align with its agenda. This "orange shift" manifests differently across the region, ranging from the security-focused populism of Nayib Bukele to the pragmatic, deal-making approach of Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez. While the U.S. exerts influence through military-backed anti-cartel strategies, the region remains economically tethered to China, which prioritizes commodity extraction over industrial development. Countries like Brazil and Argentina continue to navigate complex economic cycles, with leaders like Lula da Silva defying market expectations while others, such as Javier Milei, face volatility. Expert James Bosworth highlights that these alliances are highly personalized and lack a durable doctrine, leaving the region’s future trajectory uncertain once the current U.S. administration’s term concludes.