US vs Latin America: Gandikota and Muhamad discuss sovereignty and resource control

In a recent episode of "Reframe," Varsha Gandikota, the general coordinator of Progressive International, engaged in a critical dialogue with Susana Muhamad, the former Environment Minister of Colombia. Their conversation, published on May 3, 2026, by Al Jazeera, delved into the pressing issue of how Latin America can navigate the contemporary geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of the United States' influence.

Muhamad, a prominent Colombian politician and environmentalist, articulated a powerful argument for reclaiming national sovereignty. She posited that challenging the long-standing history of imperial dominance by external powers, especially the United States, necessitates a firm stance on controlling and benefiting from the region's abundant natural resources, such as minerals and oil. This perspective highlights a growing sentiment in the Global South to assert greater autonomy and resist neo-colonial economic practices.

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What does the military‑industrial machine mean for the sovereignty of the Global South?

The interview serves as a crucial platform for discussing strategies that move beyond mere economic dependence. It underscores the importance of resource nationalism as a tool for empowerment and self-determination, framing the struggle for sovereignty as intrinsically linked to the control over a nation's wealth and environmental future. The dialogue between Gandikota and Muhamad offers valuable insights into the evolving political discourse within Latin America and its aspirations for a more equitable global order.

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challenging a long history of imperial dominance begins with reclaiming sovereignty, particularly over natural resources like minerals and oil.