This year was a period of significant political change in Latin America, marked by electoral waves, institutional crises, and a clear ideological reconfiguration in several countries.

Regional trends included the rise of conservative forces, debates on democracy, and Governance, social protests, and profound leadership transitions.

On the other hand, President Donald Trump's pressure on Latin America intensified in 2025 with a strategy of force that combined diplomatic, economic, and military measures.

Washington tightened immigration policy, conditioned aid and trade agreements, and increased security operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific. In this context, attacks were recorded on boats allegedly linked to drug trafficking and smuggling networks, as well as seizures of oil tankers accused of illegally transporting crude to evade sanctions.

These actions sought to reaffirm US control, but provoked strong regional criticism for violating sovereignty and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Below is a summary of the 10 most relevant events that defined the political agenda in the region during the year:

1. Petro-Trump Conflict: In 2025, the relationship between Colombia and the United States went through one of its tensest moments due to the open confrontation between Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump. The Colombian president harshly criticized the US anti-drug policy, the militarized approach to regional security, and the treatment of Latin American migrants. Trump responded with diplomatic pressure, warnings about security cooperation, and a review of economic aid. The clash transcended the bilateral sphere and became a symbol of the regional ideological struggle: a progressive government seeking autonomy and social justice versus a White House aligned with a hardline agenda. The conflict reignited the debate on sovereignty, dependence, and the historical role of the United States in Latin America.Jair Bolsonaro begins his 27-year prison sentence: The start of the 27-year prison sentence against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro marked a historic milestone in 2025. The courts found him guilty of leading actions to disregard the election results and promoting a coup attempt after his defeat. His conviction was surrounded by international controversy and was openly questioned by Donald Trump, who defended him and called the ruling a political “witch hunt.” Trump accused the Brazilian justice system of persecuting conservative leaders, while Bolsonaro's allies denounced the political use of the courts. For broad sectors in Brazil and the region, the sentence represented a milestone in the defense of democracy. The case deepened the ideological polarization in Latin America. 3. Election of the Judiciary and Generation Z in the streets of Mexico: In 2025, Mexico experienced a historic moment with the popular election of the Judiciary, a reform that transformed the country's institutional balance. The process generated intense debate about the independence of judges and magistrates, as well as the risk of politicizing the judiciary. The initiative provoked social mobilizations, especially among young people, and divided public opinion. For the government, it was a democratic advance; for critics, a threat to the rule of law. On the other hand, the self-proclaimed “Generation Z” burst onto the streets of Mexico with force, leading massive protests in the supposed defense of democracy and institutions. Young students, activists, and politicians from the old guard of the opposition mobilized through social media and articulated a movement that marked a new cycle in the use of youth political participation. 4. Electoral advance of the Latin American right: This year saw the consolidation of the right's advance in several key elections in Latin America. In Chile, Jose Antonio Kast triumphed; in Argentina, Javier Milei's ruling party strengthened its political control; in Ecuador, Daniel Noboa was re-elected; In Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz ended the MAS cycle; and in Honduras, Nasry Asfura won. These results reflected social weariness with economic crises, insecurity, and polarization. The new conservative wave promoted agendas of austerity, economic liberalization, and tougher security policies. The ideological shift reconfigured regional alliances and marked a new political balance on the continent. 5. Maria Corina Machado and the Nobel Peace Prize Debate: The figure of Maria Corina Machado became the center of a strong international controversy after the debate surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize, politically driven by conservative sectors and openly supported by Donald Trump. Her critics pointed out that the award responded more to geopolitical interests than to a humanitarian consensus.accusing the Nobel Prize of being used against the government of Nicolas Maduro. Chavismo and regional allies denounced foreign interference, while Machado's supporters defended her opposition leadership. The episode highlighted the growing politicization of international awards and the depth of the Venezuelan division.

6. Trade War with Mexico and Canada under the USMCA: The trade war between the United States, Mexico, and Canada intensified in 2025 with new disputes within the USMCA. The Trump administration imposed targeted tariffs, energy sanctions, and labor pressures, particularly affecting Mexico. Canada also faced tensions in strategic industrial sectors. The protectionist escalation generated economic uncertainty, affected supply chains, and weakened regional integration. Although the treaty remained in force, it became clear that North American trade was subordinated to internal political interests, testing the stability of the bloc and the future of free trade in the region.

7. Mass Deportation Plan: “Project 2025” became the cornerstone of the mass deportation plan implemented by Donald Trump. The strategy included large-scale detentions, expansion of detention centers, and increased forced cooperation with Latin American governments. Human rights organizations denounced legal and humanitarian violations, while receiving countries warned of social and economic impacts. The plan sowed fear in migrant communities and provoked diplomatic friction. Beyond immigration policy, the project was seen as a tool for regional control and geopolitical pressure by the United States on Latin America. 8. Militarization of Coasts and Seizures of Oil Tankers: The United States intensified the militarization of Latin American coasts with naval operations to combat drug trafficking and illegal trade. The actions included attacks on speedboats and seizures of oil tankers accused of transporting crude oil to evade sanctions, especially those linked to Venezuela. Washington justified the strategy as a defense of hemispheric security, but several governments denounced violations of sovereignty. The militarization heightened regional tensions and confirmed the use of maritime power as a political and economic instrument in the Caribbean and Latin America. 9. Venezuela's Isolation and Tensions with Nicolas Maduro: Venezuela's international isolation deepened in 2025 with new sanctions and diplomatic restrictions against the government of Nicolas Maduro. The United States and its allies hardened their stance in response to accusations of repression and a lack of democratic guarantees. Caracas responded by accusing the US of a strategy of economic strangulation. The conflict exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, limited trade, and strengthened Chavismo's alliances with extra-hemispheric powers.Venezuela continued to be one of the main focuses of geopolitical tension in Latin America. 10. Summit of the Americas and COP30: Both meetings in 2025 marked the regional effort to influence the global agenda. Democracy, migration, climate change, and green finance were discussed. Brazil and the Amazonian countries took center stage at COP30, demanding real commitments from the major powers. However, ideological divisions and US pressure limited substantial agreements. Both forums reflected the contrast between Latin America's enormous environmental potential and its difficulties in acting in a coordinated manner in the face of global challenges.