Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla. General coordinator of Progressive International, questioned Susana Muhamad about the impact of the military-industrial complex on the sovereignty of the Global South, according to the source. Muhamad, a former Colombian Environment Minister, spoke on how Latin America should respond to the presidency of Donald Trump.

Latin American Sovereignty and Natural Resources

Muhamad argued that reclaiming sovereignty, especially over natural resources such as minerals and oil, is essential for challenging the long history of imperial dominance, while As a Colombian politician and environmentalist, she served as the minister of environment and sustainable development from 2022 to 2025. Her perspective highlights the importance of resource control in the context of Latin American independence.

Progressive International’s Role

Progressive International. Where Gandikota-Nellutla is the general coordinator, has a role in shaping global conversations on sovereignty and environmental policy; In her interview with Muhamad, she sought to understand the implications of the US’s military-industrial machine on Latin American countries. This dialogue is part of a broader discussion on how developing nations can assert their autonomy in a globalized world.

Latin America’s Response to US Influence

The conversation also explored into how Latin American countries should work through the challenges posed by the Trump administration — Muhamad emphasized the need for reclaiming sovereignty, particularly over natural resources, as a means to counter imperial dominance. Her experience as an environmentalist and former minister provides insight into the region’s approach to balancing environmental sustainability with economic and political independence.

Muhamad’s tenure as the minister of environment and sustainable development from 2022 to 2025 provided her with a platform to advocate for policies that prioritize environmental conservation while also promoting sustainable development. Her insights into Latin America’s response to US influence are informed by this experience, as well as her work as a Colombian politician and environmentalist.

Gandikota-Nellutla’s interview with Muhamad is part of an ongoing effort to understand the dynamics between Latin America and the US. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the military-industrial machine’s impact on sovereignty and the role of natural resources in shaping political and economic independence.

Latin America’s approach to asserting sovereignty in the face of external pressures is a topic of growing interest. The insights provided by Muhamad in her conversation with Gandikota-Nellutla offer a perspective on how the region can manage these challenges while also promoting environmental sustainability and economic independence.

The dialogue between Gandikota-Nellutla and Muhamad is part of a broader conversation about the role of the Global South in a world shaped by the military-industrial complex. The discussion highlights the importance of reclaiming sovereignty over natural resources as a means to challenge imperial dominance and promote sustainable development in Latin America and beyond.