Why do the U.S. and Canada prosper while much of Latin America struggles, despite sharing geography, history, and even culture?

In this episode, Armando Perez-Carreño is joined by award-winning composer and musical director Claudio Tarris, who steps outside the world of orchestras and jazz to discuss his thought-provoking book La Legalidad y Las Dos Américas. Drawing from years of research into history, law, and society, Claudio explores the role of legal systems—Common Law vs. Roman Law—in shaping prosperity, culture, and governance across the Americas.

From the origins of English common law, Magna Carta, and colonial foundations, to how punctuality, traffic norms, and law enforcement reflect deeper societal values, this conversation dives into the surprising ways history and legal traditions continue to impact everyday life.

If you’ve ever wondered why prosperity can shift dramatically across a border, or how culture and law intertwine, this is a fascinating discussion you won’t want to miss.