Colombia Recalibrates: Security, Stability, and the US Alliance

Colombia’s political landscape shifted decisively on August 7, 2026, when Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president, ending the tenure of its first leftist government under Gustavo Petro. A former criminal defense lawyer running as a political outsider, de la Espriella campaigned on a sharp break from Petro’s “Total Peace” framework. He promised closer alignment with Washington, including expanded joint military operations against armed groups and drug-trafficking networks.Join Hudson Institute for a panel that will examine how far de la Espriella can advance economic and security reforms without a legislative majority and how his approach will shape Colombia’s relations with the United States.