In the second part of the interview with Prof. Carlos Alzugaray, the challenges to the Left in Latin America are explored. Prof. Alzugaray also elaborates on the various politico-economic strategies adopted by the left leaning and leftist governments in Latin America.

Cuban intellectual and former diplomat Professor Carlos Alzugaray is interviewed by Newsclick. He dwells on a variety of subjects related to the political economy of Latin America, but focuses in particular on the role, character and dimensions of US hegemony in the continent today. This is the first part of the interview conducted by Newsclick.

Two of the largest countries in the western hemisphere – Brazil and the US – had their elections recently. While in Brazil, the centre left candidate Dilma Rouseff won against Serra, the centre right candidate – the far right in US made considerable gains against the centrist Democrats. I am not sure whether to call the democrats as centre right or just centre, considering the shift of this centre to the right in the US.

Prof. Aijaz Ahmad talks about the history of Colombia and Venezuela relations.

For João Pedro Stedile, of the MST’s national leadership, Dilma’s victory would allow a scenario and confluence of forces more conducive to social progress.

Cuban Ambassador to India, Mr. Ramirez talks about the challenges and developments made in the field of agriculture and science in last fifty one years.