Fmr. Colombian Pres. Ivan Duque Marquez on confronting ‘post-truth’ populism

Former Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss his four years in office, the country’s deep ties to the United States, and the economic and political challenges that loom on the horizon for both countries.

Duque, who describes himself as a “radical centrist,” discusses Latin America’s recent shift toward the left, the dangers he sees in populism and polarization, and his concerns about the policies of his successor, former Marxist guerilla Gustavo Petro.

Duque explains why his administration welcomed refugees fleeing Venezuela’s Maduro regime and how he approached the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. He defends his economic policies, his strategy in the war on drugs, and his response to social unrest.

The former president also addresses political trends in the U.S., including threats to democracy, the Jan. 6 riot, and the battle over immigration and border security.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, Asness Family Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, and The Marc Haas Foundation.