STRAT | 09 MAR 26 | Re-Wiring the Western Hemisphere
From STRAT by Mutual Broadcasting System LLC
March 9, 2026 · 25 min · Season 5 · Episode 9
About this episode
The episode discusses major geopolitical developments in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on Cuba's crisis and U.S. initiatives to combat drug cartels and counter China's influence.
On this episode of STRAT , retired Marine intelligence officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer examines major geopolitical developments reshaping the Western Hemisphere . The discussion begins with the deteriorating situation in Cuba, where economic collapse, power shortages, and extreme poverty are placing enormous pressure on the communist regime . Kempfer explores President Trump’s statements that the United States is negotiating a significant economic agreement with Cuban leadership that could redefine relations between the two countries after decades of hostility . The episode also analyzes the newly announced “Shield of the Americas” initiative, a multinational coalition designed to combat drug cartels and transnational criminal networks throughout Latin America . With participation from numerous regional governments, the initiative reflects a more aggressive strategy aimed at dismantling cartel influence and strengthening U.S. partnerships across the hemisphere. Kempfer also explains how these moves fit into a broader strategic effort to counter China’s growing influence while securing key economic resources and stabilizing the region. Takeaways : Cuba’s economic crisis has intensified…
People in this episode
Host: LtCol. Hal Kempfer
Topics covered
- geopolitical developments
- Cuba
- drug cartels
- Latin America
- U.S. foreign policy
- China's influence
Keywords
- Cuba
- economic crisis
- drug cartels
- U.S. negotiations
- Latin America
- China
- geopolitics
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Shield of the Americas, President Trump
Places: Cuba, United States, Venezuela
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