The new challenge for Latin America with the new pandemic variants: Regional unity in a context of political polarization At the beginning of the global health crisis, Latin America was immersed in multiple changes in ideological and political trends in different countries. In a world that had begun to experience a new geopolitical era within a new international order. But these problems of incompatibility and confrontation between countries led the continent to a new experience, which was to momentarily lift ideological barriers against a common enemy that was COVID 19. This significant fact of living in a state of regional interdependence precipitated a new cohesion. Beyond what was happening in a new emerging world from the north. This situation allowed the Latin American community to stay together for twenty months. But given the improvements in health derived from vaccination and social care, and with the return to the pre-pandemic situation, he found us again in a mosaic of divergences within a world that continues with multiple challenges within a new order and with actors in making decisions. the differences between the north and the south. And positioning Latin America to a role of waiting again uncertain before a next fourth wave pandemic. What are the implications in these circumstances for Latin America? Will Latin America be able to build a new common health strategy in the face of the possibility of a fourth pandemic wave that has started in the north? What will be the future of strategic alliances such as Mercosur in the event of a possible breakdown of common interests among its members? How can extreme ideological and political divergences between countries be overcome in the pursuit of the common good? How will Latin America handle the trade war between the United States and China? In block or individually country by country? Can we say that all external powers are similar in their strategy towards Latin America Will new players like China and Russia be able to supplant Latin America's historic relationship with the United States and Europe? Is the continent condemned to be a territory of competition between powers or will we be able to create a space for regional integration with better results for Latin Americans? Can the existing political polarization between countries be overcome with a unity of the continental bloc beyond pre-existing interests? Moderator: Lourival Sant’Anna, International Affairs Analyst, CNN Brasil Speakers: Jamil Mahuad, Former President, Ecuado Federico Ramon Puerta, Former President, Argentina Jorge ¨Tuto¨ Quiroga, Former President, Bolivia Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, Former President, Costa Rica
