On November 27 at 15:00, the Valdai Discussion Club will host an expert discussion, titled “The Burning Continent: Crises and Protests in Latin America”.

       Latin America’s socio-political landscape has been jarred once again by violence. The protests in Bolivia and the subsequent resignation of president Evo Morales were the result of the exasperation of its wealthy and middle class, and backed by an offensive launched by Washington-supported right-wing forces. The protests in Ecuador and Chile are rooted in the indignation of a significant proportion of the population at the prospect of facing a new wave of neoliberal “reforms” imposed by international financial organisations. Protests in other countries of the continent have also been generated by an unstable economic situation and neoliberal counter-reforms. In Venezuela, a dual-power situation persists. President Nicolas Maduro continues to rule the country despite the difficult economic situation, as well as the on-going protests and international support provided to the self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaidó.

       What will the “right turn” bring countries with centre-left governments in Latin America? Was the example of Venezuela inspiring for other countries of the continent or is it only a coincidence? What is the external impact of current events in Latin America? Participants in the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.

       Speakers:

       Alexander Shchetinin, Director of the Department of Latin America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation;

       Sergey Brilev, President of the Bering-Bellingshausen Institute for the Study of both Americas.

       Andrés Serbin, Executive President of the Regional Coordination Centre for Economic and Social Research (CRIES) (Via Video link).

       Moderator:

       Oleg Barabanov, programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club.

       Working languages: Russian, English.

       Information for the media! To attend, please fill out the accreditation form or call +7 926 930 77 63

       Information for participants! If you have any questions, please call +7 926 930 77 63