Dr. Antanas Mockus is a bit of an oddity in Latin American. He has a Lithuanian name, an Amish-looking beard, walks around wearing sunflowers, and gives rambling, professorial answers when you ask him a question. He’s a stark contrast to the “machismo” we’ve come to expect from Latin American politicians, but in a few months Colombians will likely be calling him “El Presidente.” Perhaps more importantly, he will enter the history books as the first world leader ever elected as a member of a Green Party.
The surprising rise of the former mayor of Bogota is sending shockwaves through the Latin American political scene — and as Columbia is the staunchest U.S. ally in the region — his election could have huge consequences for American foreign policy.
