Air Date: 8-12-2026

Today we follow the latest in Western Hemisphere imperialism. American presidents from Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump have invoked the Monroe Doctrine and its claim on the whole hemisphere to justify coups, sanctions, and now an outright military abduction in Latin America. Trump, as always, is bragging loudly about the parts most before him knew to keep quiet.

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TOP TAKES

KP 1: "Imperial Laboratory": Alexander Aviña on the "Donroe" Doctrine & U.S. Intervention in Latin America - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-26

KP 2: Trump Took Billions From Venezuela, Congress Is Demanding Answers - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 7-24-26

KP 3: Where Did Venezuela's $13 Billion Go? Part 1 - Patrick Boyle - Air Date 7-25-26

KP 4: Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Dismantles Elections - The World - Air Date 7-21-26

KP 5: "Criminal Approach to Politics": Trump Ally Abelardo De La Espriella Wins Colombian Presidency - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-22-26

KP 6: Cuba’s Deepening Crisis as Residents Ask How Much Longer They Can Endure - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 7-18-26

(00:49:42) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The Brag Defense: Announcing a Crime Makes It Look Innocent

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DEEPER DIVES

(01:02:49) SECTION A: VENEZUELA: THE MONEY, THE OIL, THE RUINS

A1: Venezuela Earthquakes: U.S. Sanctions Impede Rescue Efforts as Death Toll Soars - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-26

A2: What They Don't Tell You About Venezuela - Bianca Graulau - Air Date 5-7-26

A3: 'Pre-existing Vulnerabilities: Venezuela Already Experiencing Economic Turmoil, Displacement Crisis' - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 6-29-26

A4: Where Did Venezuela's $13 Billion Go? Part 2 - Patrick Boyle - Air Date 7-25-26

A5: Venezuelan Government and Opposition Faction Are to Hold Talks | Inside Story - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 8-2-26

(01:45:10) SECTION B: CUBA IN THE CROSSHAIRS

B1: Is Cuba Waging a Secret Campaign Against the US? | The Global Story Part 1 - BBC News - Air Date 6-27-26

B2: 'Cuba Is Not Venezuela': Trump's Takeover Threat Collides with 'disciplined Revolutionary State' - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 3-18-26

B3: Is Cuba Waging a Secret Campaign Against the US? | The Global Story Part 2 - BBC News - Air Date 6-27-26

(02:09:15) SECTION C: REGIONAL RIPPLES AND HUMAN FALLOUT

C1: Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo De La Espriella? - Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters - Air Date 6-23-26

C2: Human Rights in Nicaragua Part 1 - 35 West - Air Date 4-16-26

C3: Missouri Couple Murdered in Guatemala After Husband Was Deported - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 7-30-26

C4: Human Rights in Nicaragua Part 2 - 35 West - Air Date 4-16-26

(02:39:49) SECTION D: HISTORICAL ROOTS: THE DONROE DOCTRINE'S LONG SHADOW

D1: A Brief History of US Interventions in Latin America - TRT World - Air Date 1-13-26

D2: American-Backed Coups, Mapped - Johnny Harris - Air Date 2-9-23

D3: How The United States Trained Latin American Dictators - The Cold War - Air Date 7-27-25

D4: What a Secret Government Warehouse in Venezuela Says About the US Today - Mother Jones - Air Date 1-20-26

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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