The Cost of Democracy: Essays on Political Finance in Latin America
An exploration of campaign finance across the Americas, with key lessons from regulation and clear recommendations for reform.
Analysis
Rethinking US Drug Policy
US citizens today are clearly unhappy with their government’s anti-drug policies.
Countering Criminal Violence in Central America
Violent crime in Central America, particularly in the “northern triangle,” is reaching breathtaking levels.
Violence & Impunity: Protecting Journalists in Colombia & Mexico
Violence against journalists is fortunately uncommon in many Latin American countries. But in some parts of the region it is of great concern.
The US & Central America’s Northern Tier
Organized crime, rampant corruption, and large scale violence have gravely stunted Central America’s economic and social development.
Constructing Citizen Security in the Americas
Public security is today the issue that most troubles the citizens of nearly every country of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Haiti: Real Progress, Real Fragility
Haitian President René Préval says that his country no longer deserves its “failed state” stigma, and he is right. Haiti’s recent progress is real and profound, but it is jeopardized by continued institutional dysfunction, including the government’s inexperience in working with Parliament.
Latin American Women in Movement: Changing Politics, Changing Minds
This chapter of Civil Society and Social Movements: Building Sustainable Democracies in Latin America examines women’s social movements that emerged in the 1970s—during the dictatorships and economic crises in South America and guerrilla movements opposed to authoritarian regimes in Central America.
Responding to the Hemisphere’s Political Challenges
In this report, the Inter-American Dialogue’s Task Force on the Organization of American States reviewed the work of the OAS and set forth recommendations for how the organization can and should be used to engage the varied challenges confronting the hemisphere.
The Distributional Impact of Fiscal Policy in South Africa
This paper, published uses the 2010/11 Income and Expenditure Survey for South Africa to analyze the progressivity of the main tax and social spending programs and quantify their impact on poverty and inequality.
Fiscal Policy and Ethno-Racial Inequality in Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala and Uruguay
African descendants and indigenous peoples in Latin America face higher poverty rates and are disproportionately represented among the poor. Per capita income of the white population can be sixty percent higher to twice as high as the per capita income of the African descendant and indigenous populations.
Abortion and Reproductive Rights in Latin America: Implications for Democracy
Latin American countries have some of the most restrictive reproductive health laws and policies in the world, particularly with regard to abortion. In part this stems from not recognizing reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right. However, imposing legal restrictions on abortion does not reduce the likelihood that women will seek this reproductive health service. Instead, harsh laws compel women to risk their lives and health by seeking out unsafe abortions.
Online Disinformation in the United States
A policy brief exploring the nature and implications of disinformation spread in the United States, particularly surrounding the 2016 elections.
Hacking Corruption
A report analyzing the opportunities and challenges involved in utilizing new technologies to combat corruption in public procurement in Latin America.
Transition Interrupted?
A report analyzing the potential scenarios facing Venezuela at a critical juncture in its democratic development.