Latin lessons: the Donroe-doctrine boost

Latin America is experiencing a surge in foreign direct investment, reaching $205 billion in 2025, largely driven by American interest despite geopolitical tensions and aggressive rhetoric. This investment boom, particularly in mining for critical minerals like copper and rare earths, reflects a strategic shift as the United States seeks to counter Chinese influence in the region. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the cost of the staple dish jollof has become prohibitive, with a single pot now consuming 40% of the monthly minimum wage due to soaring diesel prices and logistical challenges. Finally, the BBC has decommissioned its historic long-wave radio transmitters near Droitwich. While the technology is largely considered obsolete in the age of streaming and digital signals, its closure marks the end of a century-long era of terrestrial broadcasting, despite lingering concerns about signal reach in remote areas.