An Apéro at TheOtium with Ambassador Andrea González Nader

Politics, violence and power in Latin America

Organised crime is reshaping political systems across parts of Latin America. Ecuador has become one of its most striking examples.

For Andrea González Nader, these questions are not abstract. In 2023, she ran as vice-presidential candidate alongside investigative journalist Fernando Villavicencio, whose campaign focused on confronting corruption and criminal networks. His assassination during the campaign marked a turning point in the country’s political trajectory.

Now serving as Ambassador of Ecuador to Belgium, she brings a perspective shaped by direct political experience and a transition into diplomacy.

This event introduces a more intimate Friday evening format at TheMerode.

Guests are welcomed with a drink on arrival. The evening begins with a short moderated conversation, followed by an exchange with the room, before opening into informal discussions.

speaker

Andrea González Nader is Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to the Kingdom of Belgium. She is an entrepreneur, environmental advocate and former political candidate. In 2023, she ran as vice-presidential candidate alongside Fernando Villavicencio, whose campaign focused on tackling corruption and organised crime in Ecuador. Following his assassination during the campaign, she remained closely associated with efforts to bring attention to the country’s institutional and security challenges. She now represents Ecuador in Brussels, where her work sits at the intersection of diplomacy, international relations and global policy dialogue.

moderator

Louis Bout is Programme Manager for Foreign and Security Policy and Multilateralism at the Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. His work focuses on security and defence policy, with an expertise in NATO, the Middle East, and the Sahel. He joined the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in 2023. Prior to this, he served in the cabinets of Hilde Crevits, Vice Minister-President of Flanders, first during her tenure as Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Social Economy, Innovation and Agriculture, and subsequently as Flemish Minister for Welfare, Health and Family, following her transition to this portfolio. Earlier in his career, Louis completed an internship at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies.

An Apéro at TheOtium with Ambassador Andrea González Nader

Andrea González Nader

Louis Bout

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An Apéro at TheOtium with Ambassador Andrea González Nader

Andrea González Nader

Louis Bout

Become a member

Reach us

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