South American Problems 12-3-25

Based on 2025 reports, Venezuela and Colombia are among the South American countries facing the most significant problems, particularly concerning high rates of crime and political instability. Other countries with notable issues include Brazil and Ecuador, which are grappling with climate-related crises and political unrest. Economic and social challenges like poverty and inequality are widespread across the region.  

Security and political stability

Venezuela: Facing high rates of violent crime, corruption, and political instability, with the capital, Caracas, considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, notes Global Guardian and World Population Review. 

Colombia: Ranks as one of the most dangerous countries, with ongoing challenges from armed groups that have increased their use of explosives. 

Peru: Experiences political violence and protests, particularly related to extortion. 

Brazil: Faces political unrest, including demonstrations against police brutality. 

Climate and environmental issues 

Ecuador and Brazil: Are particularly impacted by climate-driven crises such as severe droughts, floods, and wildfires that affect their economies and infrastructure.

Regional climate concerns: Climate change is a major risk across the region, with consequences like drought, wildfires, and floods impacting energy production, agriculture, and infrastructure, according to Americas Quarterly. 

Economic and social challenges

Poverty and inequality: Remain significant and enduring problems across the continent, notes the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Economic prospects: Are weakened by a lack of structural reforms in many countries.

Climate risks: Add another layer of complexity for long-term economic planning, says a LinkedIn article. 

In 2025, the South American countries facing the most significant problems are widely considered to be 

Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia, largely due to a combination of political instability, high crime rates, and the influence of organized crime and drug trafficking. 

Key Countries of Concern

Venezuela: consistently ranks as the country with the most severe challenges in South America. It is described as having one of the highest rates of violent crime, corruption, and civil unrest in the world. The nation is grappling with extreme poverty, hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and significant political instability, leading to a major humanitarian crisis and a large exodus of its citizens.

Ecuador: In under a decade, Ecuador has transformed into one of the region's most violent countries and a major hub for the drug trade. The government has declared an "internal armed conflict" as hyper-violent criminal groups battle for territorial control, leading to soaring rates of violence, including the killing of judges, prison staff, and mayors.

Colombia: While popular with tourists in some areas, certain regions of Colombia remain high-risk due to ongoing conflicts between state forces and non-state armed groups, such as FARC dissidents and the ELN. These groups engage in deadly attacks, making security a significant concern in specific areas outside of the main tourist circuits. 

Other Countries with Notable Challenges

Brazil faces challenges with worsening organized crime and land conflicts, particularly in the northeast and Amazon regions, involving powerful criminal organizations like the Primeiro Comando do Maranhão and the Primeiro Comando da Capital.

Argentina is experiencing political upheaval and economic pressure amidst corruption allegations and fiscal concerns.

Chile, Peru and Bolivia: These countries have faced ongoing fiscal challenges and spending pressures in 2025. 

Peru, while improving its safety ranking since 2022, still faces occasional instability. These issues are often interconnected, driven by factors such as weak governance, economic instability, and the pervasive influence of transnational criminal organizations.

In contrast, countries like Uruguay and Chile are generally cited as being among the safer and more politically stable nations in the region. 

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Comments

Trump’s Team is attending to South American countries with US Trade Deals. Trump’s National Security Goals include removing Problems from these countries to stabilize their economies.

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader