Washington, D.C.
October 8, 2008

The regime of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, on the continued strength of energy prices and military ties with Russia, is continuing its push to spread radical populism throughout Latin America. The next U.S. president will face these mounting challenges from Chavez and any allies he cultivates in the region. Hudson's Center for Latin American Studies convened a panel to discuss developments in Latin America and what the new administration should anticipate. This event featured two panels:

The Economics of Populism 101

Thelmo Vargas, former finance minister and professor of economics, Costa Rica

Javier Corrales, associate professor of political science, Amherst College

David Myers, associate professor of political science, Pennsylvania State University

Jaime Daremblum (moderator), director, Hudson Institute Center for Latin American Studies

Policy Implications for a New U.S. Administration

Carl Meacham, senior staff, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Nelson Cunningham, managing partner, McLarty Associates

Jaime Daremblum (moderator), director, Hudson Institute Center for Latin American Studies