Narratives and realities: Central America and its link to the U.S.

As part of Cervantes Week 2025, we explore the complex relationship between Central America and the United States through the eyes of three prominent authors and journalists who have dedicated their work to narrating the political, migratory and social realities of the region. In the talk "Narratives and realities: Central America and its link to the U.S.," we will delve into the stories that connect the two territories, revealing shared tensions, influences and challenges. From the United States, Jonathan Blitzer, a journalist for The New Yorker, has accurately documented the migration crises and U.S. policies that have impacted thousands of Central Americans. His work gives voice to those who have taken the difficult path of exile and the search for a better future. Francisco Goldman, a writer and journalist with Guatemalan roots, has intertwined personal history and political memory in his work, addressing issues such as violence in Guatemala and the impact of the U.S. in the region. From El Salvador, Óscar Martínez, a journalist with El Faro, is one of the most influential voices in reporting on violence, drug trafficking and migration. His work in the field has been key to understanding the harshness of the Central American reality and the role of the U.S. in its political and social evolution. In this conversation, we will explore how his works illuminate the historical tensions, migratory narratives, and power dynamics that have defined the relationship between Central America and the United States.