The Hard Country

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo welcome back Melissa Ford Maldonado, now Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute and co-host of the Western Front podcast. They explore the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere, the resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine in recent national security strategies, and how regional crises—from Venezuela's turmoil to evolving U.S.-Colombia relations under Presidents Trump and Petro—are reshaping America's backyard.

Topics include the strategic importance of Colombia as a non-NATO ally, recent diplomatic tensions and breakthroughs, upcoming elections in the region, and broader implications for Mexico and U.S. border security. Plus, an opening reflection on Greenland's geopolitical opportunities.

Referenced in this episode:

Creators and Guests

Host
Ariana Guajardo
Ariana Guajardo is a videographer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation with a passion for video editing and graphic animation. Ariana was originally born in Austin, but spent most of her life in the Rio Grande Valley.
Host
Joshua Treviño
Joshua S. Treviño is the Chief of Intelligence and Research at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, in which role he explores pathways for future Foundation action and develops forecasts for Texas and the nation. Prior to his service as CIO, he was vice president of strategy at the Illinois Policy Institute in Chicago and a United States Army officer.
Host
Melissa Ford Maldonado
Melissa Ford Maldonado is the policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Secure and Sovereign Texas campaign, which strives to keep our nation safe and free. Melissa’s work and expertise is focused on policies that secure the border and restore the rule of law as we fix and improve legal immigration to the United States. Melissa writes about foreign policy, public safety, drug cartels, and organized crime. Melissa was born and raised in Cochabamba, Bolivia, but now calls Texas home.

What is The Hard Country?

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo of the Texas Public Policy Foundation discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, border security, and some Texas history.