ÁLVARO VARGAS LLOSA

Expert on world and political matters, prolific author and speaker


  • Senior Fellow and former Director of the Center on Global Prosperity at the Independent Institute
  • A member of the board and director of the council of business advisors of the Fundación Internacional para la Libertad (Foundation for International Liberty) 
  • Contributor to the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the BBC World Service, Time Magazine, El País, theInternational Herald Tribune, and other media outlets
  • Author of the ten books including Guide to the Perfect Latin American Idiot (with Carlos Alberto Montaner and Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza)
  • Has lectured widely on world economic and political issues. Among other venues, he has spoken at The World Economic Forum
  • Appointed Young Global Leader 2007 by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

Alvaro Vargas Llosa is a renowned Peruvian writer, journalist, and intellectual who gained international recognition for his literary works and insightful analysis of political and social issues. Born in Lima, Peru, Alvaro Vargas Llosa hails from a family of esteemed literary figures.

He has made significant contributions to the world of literature and his incisive political commentary. He is the eldest son of the legendary Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, a Nobel Laureate in Literature. Growing up in such an influential literary household, Alvaro Vargas Llosa was exposed to a rich intellectual environment from an early age, which undoubtedly shaped his career and perspective.

He received his BSC degree in International History at the London School of Economics and a Master's degree in value investing and theory of the economic cycle at OMMA in Spain.
Mr. Vargas LLosa is Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and a former Director of the Center on Global Prosperity at the same public policy institute, a columnist in the United States, Latin America and Spain, and a member of the board and director of the council of business advisors of the Fundación Internacional para la Libertad (Foundation for International Liberty) based in Spain. 

Alvaro has authored several books, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, history, and economics. One of his most notable works is "Guide to the Perfect Latin American Idiot," co-authored with Carlos Alberto Montaner and journalist Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza. This influential book offers a scathing critique of the political and social issues plaguing Latin America, challenging the prevailing ideologies, and exposing the failures of populist governments. "Liberty for Latin America: How to Undo Five Hundred Years of State Oppression," which examines the economic and political challenges facing Latin America. His other notable works include "The Che Guevara Myth and the Future of Liberty," and "Global Crossings: Immigration, Civilization, and America."

Apart from his literary accomplishments, Vargas Llosa has established himself as a respected journalist and columnist. His insightful analysis and commentary have appeared in prestigious international publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, among others. He is known for his ability to dissect complex issues, offering nuanced perspectives and challenging conventional wisdom. He has served as a consultant to several international organizations, including the World Bank, and has advised various political leaders in Latin America on economic policy.

Vargas Llosa's intellectual prowess and unique voice have earned him a wide following and respect both in Peru and abroad. He is often sought after as a public speaker and has participated in numerous conferences and debates, sharing his expertise on Latin American affairs, free markets, and individual freedom.

He has lectured widely on world economic and political issues. Among other venues, he has spoken at The World Economic Forum, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Council on Foreign Affairs (U.S.), The World Affairs Council (U.S.), The Inter-American Dialogue (U.S.), Florida International University (U.S.), University of New York (U.S.), Harvard University, Brown University, The Cato Institute (U.S.), The Atlas Economic Research Foundation (U.S.), The Mount Pelerin Society (Chile), The  Naumann Foundation (Germany),  the FAES Foundation (Spain), the Brazilian Institute of Business Studies, the Fundación Libertad (Argentina),  the CEDICE Foundation (Venezuela),  the Ecuatorian Chamber of Commerce (Ecuador), and University of San Marcos (Peru).

Álvaro tailors each presentation to the needs of his audience and is not limited to the topics we have listed below:

  • Global economic outlook
  • Populism & Democracy
  • Value Investing: Where and when to invest?  
  • Liberalism in Latin America
  • Global Geopolitics
  • Latin America
  • China and Latin America
  • U.S. & Latin America
  • In 2021 he received the Thomas Jefferson Award given by the Association of Private Enterprise Education (APEE).
  • Received the Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Award for its contribution to the cause of freedom in 2006
  • Awarded the Templeton Freedom Award (2010) for his book “Lessons from the Poor: Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit”
  • Appointed Young Global Leader 2007 by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
  • Received his B.Sc. in International History and an M. A. from the London School of Economics
  • Recipient of the Juan Bautista Alberdi Award (2006) for his defense of freedom across the western hemisphere
  • The A.I.R. Award for Best Current Affairs Radio Show in Florida (1998)
  • Puerto Rican Parliament’s Award for the Defense of Freedom (1997)
  • Peruvian Association of Fishermen’s Award for the Defense of Freedom (2000)
  • Freedom of Expression Award given by the Association of Ibero-American Journalists (2003).