Tyler Cowen engages today’s deepest thinkers in wide-ranging explorations of their work, the world, and everything in between. New conversations every other Wednesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.conversationswithtyler.com
episode 155: Leopoldo López on Activism Under Autocratic Regimes
As an inquisitive reader, books were a cherished commodity for Leopoldo López when he was a political prisoner in his home country of Venezuela. His prison guards eventually observed the strength and focus López gained from reading. In an attempt to stifle his spirit, the guards confiscated his books and locked them in a neighboring cell where he could see but not access them. But López didn’t let this stop him from writing or discourage his resolve to fight for freedom. A Venezuelan opposition leader and freedom activist, today López works to research and resist oppressive autocratic regimes globally.
López joined Tyler to discuss Venezuela’s recent political and economic history, the effectiveness of sanctions, his experiences in politics and activism, how happiness is about finding purpose, how he organized a protest from prison, the ideal daily routine of a political prisoner, how extreme sports prepared him for prison, his work to improve the lives of the Venezuelan people, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.
Recorded May 10th, 2022
Other ways to connect
- Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
- Follow Tyler on Twitter
- Follow Leopoldo on Twitter
- Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu
- Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.