What Would Make the Summit of the Americas a Success?
A Latin America Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ viewpoints on what can be expected from the June 2022 Summit of the Americas.
Analysis
Why and How Latin America Should Think About the Future
Over the past decade, many Latin American governments have made significant strides in developing domestic policies that have succeeded in reducing poverty and strengthening democratic institutions. Yet the impact of profound transformations in the global economy, climate change, and new information and communication technologies makes it clear that the region’s future will be inextricably connected to developments taking place beyond the borders of individual nations.
Uncertainty in Latin America: A Political Outlook
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, sits down with Latinvex to answer important questions as three major economies in Latin America – Brazil, Chile, and Colombia – approach presidential elections and other countries face crises and protests.
What Will Sunday’s Election Mean for Nicaraguans?
A Latin America Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ viewpoints on the upcoming presidential elections in Nicaragua.
Video
Shifter: “Ortega will continue to exercise repression in Nicaragua”
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, joined Al Jazeera for an interview on the current political conditions in Nicaragua with the approaching presidential elections set for November 7. This interview examined the role of the opposition in upcoming elections as well as the consequences for the Nicaraguan people if Ortega remains in power for a fourth consecutive term.
Video
Crisis in Haiti – Finding a Response to Violence and Political Turmoil
As the political crisis in Haiti ensues with mounting social discontent and economic instability, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted a conversation on the current conditions in Haiti as well as approaches to securing peace and democratic governance in a country beset by turmoil.
Private Meeting with Delegation of the Unitary Democratic Platform of Venezuela
On June 23, 2021, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted a private meeting with members of the delegation of the Unitary Democratic Platform of Venezuela during their visit to Washington, DC. The private roundtable conversation included Leopoldo Lopez, National Coordinator of Voluntad Popular and former Mayor of Chacao; and Gerardo Blyde, President of the Unitary Democratic Platform.
Video
Shifter: “It is very difficult now to talk about a serious election [in Nicaragua], November 7 will be a complete farce”
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, spoke with Michael Holmes from CNN about the state of democracy in Latin America. The conversation covered how things are evolving in Nicaragua, after opposition leaders were imprisoned by the Ortega Murillo regime, as well as the potential repercussions of the recent elections in Peru and Mexico.
Video
Outlook for Peru’s Troubled Democracy
The Inter-American Dialogue welcomed panelists Michael Reid, Adriana Urrutia Pozzi-Escot and Alberto Vergara for an online event, “Outlook for Peru’s Troubled Democracy,” on June 1 to discuss the contested presidential runoff in Peru. As the two candidates, Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori, battle for the presidency, this conversation delved into the deepening political polarization in Peru as well as the ongoing crisis of legitimacy for both candidates. Panelists also explored the election within the context of mounting economic inequality and popular discontent in the wake of Covid-19.
Peru’s Fraying Democracy
The second round of the Peruvian presidential elections will take place on June 6. Peru, which is suffering the economic and social effects of the pandemic, will choose between Keiko Fujimori, a former lawmaker in her third run for the country’s highest office and Pedro Castillo, a rural teacher and union leader from the northern region of Cajamarca.
Shifter: “The question facing the White House is whether the Biden administration is prepared to distance itself from Guaidó”
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, spoke with The Washington Times about US-Venezuelan relations under the Biden administration. The conversation covered Nicolas Maduro’s hopes to win concessions from Washington now that Democrats control the White House, the relationship with Juan Guaidó, and internal divisions in Venezuela.
Biden: Windows of Opportunity for Latin America
President Joe Biden didn’t waste any time using his office and authority to set out an ambitious agenda and send a clear message to the American people and the world: under his administration, the US would adopt a very different tone and style – and pursue a notably different policy course – than Donald Trump.
Latin America, A Pending Assignment
Latin America finds itself at a moment of enormous challenge. The region’s ability to preserve its conquests and overcome its faults and limitations will be put to a severe test. But there are clear signs indicating the path we need to take, and there are proven recommendations we can follow. We hold the key to unraveling over 500 years of unfulfilled promises.
Virtual Forum for Dialogue Members
On May 19, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted its first virtual forum for Dialogue members to discuss the implications of the Covid-19 crisis on Latin America and the Caribbean.
Covid-19 Pandemic and the Lack of Democracy in Nicaragua
Manuel Orozco outlines how Daniel Ortega’s regime is using the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to ensure political survival. Regardless of the measure used, Nicaragua is the country that has least adhered to efforts to mitigate the pandemic. The consequences of the government’s inaction are deadly.