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Join Francisco Sagasti, former president of Peru, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the lessons of Sagasti's presidency, political and economic trends in Latin America, and his new book, Knowledge is Power, which explores the life and legacy of Sir Francis Bacon.
Sagasti discusses Peru’s economic prospects, the rise of organized crime and illegal mining, and the erosion of public confidence in democratic institutions. He also considers the evolving relationship between the United States, China, and Latin America, the importance of regional cooperation and sovereignty, and his vision for a more pragmatic and democratic future for Peru and the region. Drawing on themes from his book, Sagasti emphasizes the importance of knowledge, integrity, trust, and a commitment to the common good in confronting the challenges facing democracies.
Recorded on October 5, 2026.
ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Francisco Sagasti served as interim President of Peru from November 2020 to July 2021 during one of the most turbulent stretches in the country's recent history. An industrial engineer by training, with graduate degrees from Penn State and a PhD in operations research and social systems science from the University of Pennsylvania, Sagasti built a career bridging technocracy, philosophy, and public service — heading the World Bank's Strategic Planning Division, chairing the United Nations Council on Science and Technology, and founding GRADE, one of Peru's leading think tanks. He has taught at Wharton, IE Business School, and the University for Peace, and is the author of more than twenty-five books. Elected to Congress in 2020, Sagasti was serving as chair of its Science, Technology, and Innovation Committee when a constitutional crisis elevated him to the presidency. While serving as president, Sagasti stabilized the government, secured desperately needed COVID-19 vaccines, and orchestrated a peaceful transfer of power following the 2021 presidential elections.
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