Peru’s State of Emergency Reveals Regional Instability That Threatens U.S. Interests

As raging floods and landslides ravage nearly half of Peru’s districts, the South American nation finds itself grappling with a crisis exacerbated by weak governance and political turmoil—issues that should concern every American who values national sovereignty and continental stability. Interim President José María Balcázar recently declared a state of emergency for over 700 districts suffering from severe rainfall linked to the El Niño Costero climate phenomenon. This move, while necessary, was delayed due to a troubling five-week absence of an effective Cabinet following the ouster of former President José Jerí amid corruption investigations. Such governmental dysfunction in Peru is...