On Oct. 20, Bolivian President Evo Morales will go to the polls in search of a fourth term. Victory would extend his time in office to almost two decades, and — depending on how the election goes — could place democracy itself at risk in the Andean country.
Over the past two weeks, Spain has become an accidental protagonist in the diplomatic efforts to end Venezuela’s crises. The good news is that Spain is well-positioned to lead the effort to restore democracy in Venezuela. The bad news is that the Spanish government is deeply conflicted about what to do. But there are five clear ways that Spain can demonstrate that the democratic cause in Venezuela is not just a guise for U.S. adventurism.
In the annual meeting of the world’s largest economies, which starts on Friday in Argentina, it seemed that Latin America and its most pressing concerns – such as the crisis in Venezuela – would be the priorities. However, it is now clear that the current complex global dynamic will dominate.
Irene Estefanía, Ben Raderstorf
Articles & Op-Eds ˙
˙ The New York Times Español
For years, Nicaraguans seemed to tolerate the growing authoritarianism of President Daniel Ortega in exchange for stability and growth. That pact is now crumbling.
The unraveling of UNASUR—perhaps the most ambitious attempt at Latin American integration in recent times—is another sign that Latin America’s much-vaunted solidarity has splintered.
Before the president’s trip to Lima—his first to the region—the administration should take a close look at why US credibility in Latin America is at historic lows.
Chile’s President Bachelet leaves office after a second term widely seen as disappointing. But her influence was more transformative than many recognize.
Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno has maneuvered to break with his predecessor, Rafael Correa, and a legacy tinged with authoritarianism and corruption.
Michael Shifter, Ben Raderstorf
Articles & Op-Eds ˙
˙ World Politics Review
A meeting of a group of 28 anticorruption experts to discuss and draft recommendations for the VIII Summit of the Americas to be hosted in Peru in April, 2018.
President Trump’s sanctions strategy against Venezuela remains committed but ineffectual, and banning a smallish band of regime loyalists from traveling to the United States will do little to change that.