Cincinnati, OH – On the evening of February 26, our organization welcomed members, guests, and students back to The Literary Club for our first in-person dinner program of 2026, an evening that brought the Americas into sharp focus under the banner “At a Hemispheric Crossroads: US Global Policy and the Future of Latin America.” Against the backdrop of fast-moving developments all over the Central and South America and shifting regional alliances, the night offered a rich, nuanced exploration of where US-Latin American relations stand today and where they may be heading next.
Guided and moderated by our Board Member and South American Affairs specialist, Mr. Joe Dehner, our guest speakers, Professors Walt Vanderbush and Juan Carlos Albarrán of Miami University, guided our audience through the complex interplay of political, economic, and social dynamics shaping Central and South America, drawing on decades of work in international studies, study-abroad leadership, and exchange programs across Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and beyond.
Their complementary perspectives rooted in Latin American political economy, immigration policy, diaspora and migration studies, and on-the-ground educational exchanges helped frame Latin America not as a distant theater, but as a region whose choices and challenges deeply affect US policy, business, and communities at home. The discussion underscored how quickly political and humanitarian situations can escalate and how essential it is for an informed public to understand their regional and global implications.
True to FPLC’s mission, the atmosphere throughout the evening was both intellectually rigorous and warmly conversational, with participants frequently drawing connections between the issues raised and their own professional and civic experiences. Many attendees remarked on how the speakers’ long-standing engagement with Latin American communities, inside and outside the classroom, brought a human dimension to policy debates that too often remain abstract.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professors Vanderbush and Albarrán for sharing their expertise and to all who joined us for helping make this such a meaningful start to our 2026 in-person programming. We look forward to welcoming you back at our next event as we continue to convene timely and meaningful conversations at the intersection of US foreign policy, regional developments, and the lived realities of people across the globe.
Walt Vanderbush brings deep expertise in US-Latin American relations, Latin American political economy, and immigration policy, all grounded in decades of research, teaching, and international experience. Walt is an Associate Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies at Miami University. He has guided students on study abroad experiences in Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia and is co-author of the acclaimed textbook “International Studies: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Global Issues.” His work enriches our understanding of international policy and intercultural dynamics, making him a compelling voice for our community.
Juan Carlos Albarrán complements this perspective with his lifelong commitment to Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino/a studies, leading student exchanges, international programs, and interdisciplinary exploration of regional issues from sustainable tourism to migration and diaspora dynamics. Originally from Havana, Cuba, Juan Carlos has developed study abroad opportunities and led workshops across Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and Cuba, and has guided students through Miami University’s Luxembourg campus programs. As Director of the Study of United States Institutions (SUSI) Exchange Program sponsored by the U.S. State Department, he brings global perspectives and social entrepreneurship into the classroom. A passionate advocate for global diversity, inclusion, and the humanities, Professor Albarrán continues to inspire students to engage with timely issues through deep cultural connections.
Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch will join the Foreign Policy Leadership Council by a special Zoom Conference Presentation from 7PM-8PM the evening of Wednesday, October 1st, 2025.
Our Presenting Guest Speaker