A Requiem for UNASUR
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.
Analysis
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Freedom of Expression in the Americas: Persistent Threats and Emerging Challenges
On April 24, the Inter-American Dialogue in partnership with Reports Without Borders (RSF) and the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) hosted an event titled “Freedom of Expression in the Americas: Persistent Threats and Emerging Challenges.” This discussion, which was moderated by Michael Camilleri, featured panelists Edison Lanza from IACHR, Margaux Ewen from RSF, Viviana Krsticevic from the Center for Justice and International Law, and Tracy Wilkinson from the Los Angeles Times. This conversation aimed to analyze persistent threats, emerging challenges, and potential solutions for protecting freedom of expression in the Americas.
Nicaragua’s Democracy Is Falling Apart
For years, Nicaraguans seemed to tolerate the growing authoritarianism of President Daniel Ortega in exchange for stability and growth. That pact is now crumbling.
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A Conversation with Felipe Larraín Bascuñán
On April 20, the Inter-American Dialogue in partnership with the Brookings Global – CERES Economic and Social Policy in Latin America Initiative (CERES), hosted the Minister of Finance of Chile, Felipe Larraín Bascuñán, for an open conversation on the economic challenges and choices facing Chile.
Argentina Is Getting Impatient With Macri’s Painful Economic Reforms
Macri has repeatedly said that he will maintain his course and not yield to what he calls the political opportunism of the opposition. But if he is to lead a true alternative to the left- and right-wing populist tendencies that have ruled Argentina for decades, Macri’s gradualism must pick up the pace and start showing results.
Bring the Rule of Law to Nicaragua
If Nicaragua’s teetering democracy is to stand a chance, the country’s disparate opposition groups must unify behind an agenda for negotiations with Mr. Ortega. Their aim should be to re-establish the rule of law through the strengthening of independent, democratic institutions. Their long-term goal should be the removal of Mr. Ortega — but through the ballot box.
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Inside Perspectives on Possible Scenarios in Venezuela
On May 3, the Inter-American Dialogue in partnership with the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) hosted an event titled “Inside Perspectives on Possible Scenarios in Venezuela”. This discussion, moderated by Michael Camilleri, featured panelists Margarita López Maya from Tulane University, Michael Penfold from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración, and Orlando Ochoa, an independent economist and consultant. The conversation explored the situation in Venezuela and offered possible scenarios for the near term including their expected risks, opportunities, and trend lines.
Argentina: Will the IMF Save or Doom Macri’s Reform Agenda?
Argentina’s turn to the IMF to relieve pressure on the peso carries significant political risks for the president.
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Anticipating the Mexican Elections
On May 11, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted an event titled “Anticipating the Mexican Elections”. This discussion, moderated by Michael Shifter, featured panelists Shannon O’Neil from the Council on Foreign Relations, Juan Pablo del Valle from Mexichem, and Enrique Bravo-Escobar from the National Endowment for Democracy.
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Maduro’s re-election & Venezuela’s flailing economy
CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Michael Shifter about the effect Maduro’s re-election could have on Venezuela’s already flailing economy.
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Shifter: “De EE. UU. se pueden esperar más sanciones”
En entrevista con NTN24 Michael Shifter indicó que la reelección de Maduro, en unos comicios considerados como “fraudulentos” por la comunidad internacional, podría traer más sanciones por parte del Gobierno estadounidense.
Will Colombia Make Peace With Its Peace Deal?
As the first Colombian election after the historic signing of the peace deal approaches, the good news is that the conflict has blessedly ended, but the implementation of the accord has been complicated and contentious. It does not help that the political establishment stands fractured and discredited. The risk is that the country’s unsettled politics could upend the peace.
Member in the News: Carla A. Hills
Carla Hills, the lead US architect of the original NAFTA trade agreement, gave an interview with NPR regarding the new negotiations.
Will an IMF Bailout Save Argentina’s Macri, or Sink Him?
Non resident fellow Bruno Binetti discusses the causes of the financial crisis, and the economic and political implications of an IMF bailout for Argentina and Macri.
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Combating Corruption in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities
On May 30, the Inter-American Dialogue, in conjunction with the Washington Office of Latin America and the Due Process of Law Foundation, hosted an event titled “Combating Corruption in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities”. This discussion, moderated by Maureen Meyer and Katya Salazar, featured panelists Mariclaire Acosta from Mexico’s National Anticorruption System, Alejandro Rios from COPARMEX, and Daniel Lizárraga from Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad.