Analysis

Are China and Panama Getting It Right?

Best outcomes for Panama, whether in its relations with China or other economic partners, will depend on the country’s commitment to open and equitable procurement processes and effective project monitoring and evaluation.

Margaret Myers

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Latin Trade

How to Save the Amazon Rainforest

Countries in the Amazon Basin are falling behind on their targets to cut deforestation. Environmental enforcement combined with economic incentives could provide a way forward, write Lisa Viscidi and Enrique Ortiz in this op-ed.

Lisa Viscidi, Enrique Ortiz

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ The New York Times

China’s Agro-Industrial Interests in Latin America

The China-Latin America agro-industrial relationship has been growing, and at a notable pace, prompted in large part by China’s evolving food security strategy

Margaret Myers

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Agri-Pulse

Brazil’s Energy Sector Needs Reform. Is Bolsonaro Up to the Task?

Revitalizing Brazil’s energy sector will be key to Jair Bolsonaro’s success as president – but so far, he’s had mixed results when it comes to getting reforms through Congress. Unless Bolsonaro learns to work with legislators and ease turbulence within his government, Brazil’s missing energy reforms will continue to threaten its economy, and its politics.

Lisa Viscidi, Nate Graham

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Americas Quarterly

A Critical Moment in Venezuela

In January, the surprising emergence of Juan Guaidó as the opposition’s leader was followed by months of frenetic activity on the Venezuela crisis. Today there seems to be a pause in the high drama. It is in this context that former Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, now the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is making a three-day visit to Venezuela. Although it is hard to predict the final result of the visit, there is little doubt that both sides of this tragic and protracted stalemate will seek to take maximum political advantage.

Michael Shifter

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ La Tercera

En busca de una estrategia de inserción internacional para América Latina

Lo mejor que pueden hacer los actores políticos y sociales latinoamericanos es concebir una estrategia de inserción internacional en la que sus países sean actores y no simples receptores pasivos de oportunidades y amenazas generadas desde el exterior.

Michael Shifter, Bruno Binetti

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Revista Pensamiento Iberoamericano

In the Crossfire: Latin America and U.S.-China Competition

A protracted trade war is expected to have lasting effects on the region’s economies. The IMF estimates slowing global growth in 2019, including in third markets, based on large part US-China trade tensions. Ongoing economic uncertainty could also weaken Latin American currencies if populations there invest in US dollars to avoid the effects of local currency devaluation.

Margaret Myers

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Latin Trade

Five Ways Spain Can Lead on Venezuela

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. 

Irene Estefanía, Ben Raderstorf

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Americas Quarterly

Trump’s Cuba Sanctions Are a Mistake

President Donald Trump’s decision last month to increase sanctions on Cuba represents a strategic error with serious long-term repercussions for U.S. national security.

Rebecca Bill Chavez

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Foreign Policy

Decisive Moment for Venezuela’s Military

Venezuela may be slowly moving into a scenario in which the military moves to take full control, without Maduro, but not necessarily in accordance with Guaidó’s (and the constitution’s) terms and timetable for a transition.

Michael Shifter

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ La Tercera

Juan Guaidó’s Uprising Failed. What’s Next for Venezuela?

Venezuela’s stalemate will not last forever, but an immediate and easy return to democracy is highly unlikely. The quicker the opposition and its international supporters adapt their strategies to this hard reality, the sooner the country can begin to find a way out of this unprecedented crisis.

Michael Shifter, Bruno Binetti

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ New York Times

El control sobre las remesas familiares en Nicaragua

Hay una razón muy simple de parte del Gobierno de aumentar controles sobre las transacciones, su lógica es política y económica como mecanismo de sobrevivencia.

Manuel Orozco

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Confidencial

Is Cuba Hoping to Emulate China With Its New Constitution?

Far from a fundamental rethinking of the political framework, Cuba’s new constitution is a cautious attempt at salvaging a dysfunctional system.

Ricardo Barrios, Luis Carlos Battista

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ World Politics Review