Latin America's Rightward Shift
Latin America is living through a volatile political moment. In 2026 a Trump-backed far-right outsider, Abelardo de la Espriella, narrowly won Colombia's presidential election, vowing a hard line on crime in a sharp turn from the region's recent left-wing tilt. At the same time Bolivia declared a state of emergency as protests and blockades choked supply routes, and Cuba pushed through economic reforms under US pressure.
Together these shifts point to a region recalibrating between Washington and Beijing, with consequences for democracy, peace processes and the balance of power across the Americas.
3 events
Key facts
- Colombia
- Far-right outsider wins, narrowly defeating the left
- Bolivia
- State of emergency declared over protests and blockades
- Cuba
- Economic reforms under US pressure
- Bigger picture
- A possible regional shift to the right
- At stake
- Democracy, peace processes, US-China influence
Key milestones
Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella wins Colombia's presidential election
Bolivia declares a state of emergency amid protests and blockades
Cuba implements economic reforms under US pressure
Latest
Political upheaval across the region, from Colombia's election to unrest in Bolivia, frames a volatile moment and a possible rightward shift.
Colombia elects right-wing outsider as president amid conflict concerns
Right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential election in a narrow victory over his left-wing opponent.
22 Jun 2026Economic impact
US pressure and sanctions continue to shape economic policy, including reforms in Cuba undertaken under external strain.
Cuba implements economic reforms under US pressure
Cuba has approved significant economic reforms, including opening key sectors to private investment, amidst ongoing US pressure and economic crisis.
19 Jun 2026National responses
Governments are responding with measures ranging from states of emergency and military deployments to sharp realignment at the ballot box.
Bolivia declares state of emergency amid protests and blockades
Bolivia's president declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to clear anti-government protest blockades that have caused shortages of basic goods.
21 Jun 2026Analysis
Observers watch whether a regional turn to the right reshapes alliances, Colombia's peace process, and the balance between Washington and Beijing.
Transport impact
Protest blockades in Bolivia have choked supply routes and caused shortages of basic goods, showing how unrest spills into everyday logistics.
More coverage
A common thread links several countries navigating US influence, internal instability and contested elections.