Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo welcome back Melissa Ford Maldonado, now Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute and co-host of the Western Front podcast. They explore the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere, the resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine in recent national security strategies, and how regional crises—from Venezuela's turmoil to evolving U.S.-Colombia relations under Presidents Trump and Petro—are reshaping America's backyard.

Topics include the strategic importance of Colombia as a non-NATO ally, recent diplomatic tensions and breakthroughs, upcoming elections in the region, and broader implications for Mexico and U.S. border security. Plus, an opening reflection on Greenland's geopolitical opportunities.

Referenced in this episode:

• Greenland shows the limits and opportunities of Danish statecraft

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo begin by looking at a new poll showing declining approval for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (though it's still above 70%).

Then they discuss a rumor that the Trump administration sent Mexico a list requesting cartel-connected political figures to be delivered to the United States.

Referenced in this episode:

• Mexico’s Mighty Left-Wing Government is Floundering
• Dozens Of Mexican Cartel Fugitives Flown To The U.S. To Face Justice

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo react to the January 3rd raid on Caracas that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. They examine the Venezuelan narco-state, its actions that led to this historic moment, and what distinguishes this from previous U.S. attempts at regime change.

They also discuss what could be next for Mexico, whose Morena regime openly condemned the U.S. operation.

Referenced in this episode:

In Venezuela, the Era of Escaping Consequences Is Over: https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/in-venezuela-the-era-of-escaping-consequences-is-over/

Mexico Is Acting Like an Adversary to the U.S.: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/mexico-is-acting-like-an-adversary-to-the-u-s-5ed0b781

Morena's Proyecto de Nación (2024-2030): https://morenademocracia.mx/proyecto-de-nacion-2024-2030/

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Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iz8VwMiAU7FvW7Ewj9Vez

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