In Latin America, Peru has stood out for its political instability, as reflected in the high turnover of its recent presidents. Approval levels of President Dina Boluarte and the Peruvian Congress are at rock bottom, and democracy is at risk. Although the economy is growing, it faces an array of challenges, including entrenched corruption and rampant criminality.
Despite the difficult outlook, elections scheduled for April of 2026 provide Peru an opportunity to start to stabilize its politics and to renew its democracy. On the external front, Peru will have to grapple with how to manage relations with China and the United States. In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated the Chancay port, controlled by a Chinese shipping company, which has generated considerable concern in Washington. The Trump administration’s policy on tariffs will test trade relations between Peru and the United States.
Join the Inter-American Dialogue on Wednesday, February 5, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET for a discussion exploring the strengths and weaknesses of Peru’s economy, the nature of the country’s political and institutional challenges, and what Peru and other Latin American countries should expect with the Trump administration’s approach to trade and China.
Follow this event on X (formerly Twitter)@The_Dialogue.
OPENING REMARKS
Rebecca Bill Chavez
President & CEO, Inter-American Dialogue (@RebeccaBillChav)
SPEAKERS
LUIS MIGUEL CASTILLA
Executive Director of Videnza Instituto; Former Minister of Economy and Finance, Peru
CYNTHIA McCLINTOCK
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, George Washington University
KELLIE MEIMAN HOCK
Senior Counselor, McLarty Associates (@KellieMeimanH)
MODERATOR
Michael Shifter
Senior Fellow, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)