Analysis

Recent comments by people in Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s inner circle have raised concerns about the stability of Brazil’s democracy. // File Photo: Brazilian Government-.

Is Brazil’s Military Getting Too Involved in Domestic Politics?

A Latin America Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ takes on the clash of democratic institutions in Brazil under President Jair Bolsonaro.

Peter Hakim, Anya Prusa, Adriana Erthal Abdenur, Carlos Eduardo Lins da Silva, Cláudio Gonçalves Couto

Latin America Advisor ˙

Following the killing of George Floyd last month in the United States, protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks in Latin America to demand police reforms. // File Photo: pxfuel.

Will Police Forces Undergo Reforms in Latin America?

A Latin America Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ takes on the likelihood of police reform in the region following protests against racism and police brutality.

Lucía Dammert, Gladys Mitchell-Walthour, Yanilda María González

Latin America Advisor ˙

Brazil’s central bank has approved new “open banking” rules that will allow banks to share consumers’ data with each other, among other measures. // File Photo: Empresa Brasil de Comunicação.

Will New Rules Improve Banking for Brazilians?

A Financial Services Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ takes on new open banking rules in Brazil and what it means for the sector.

Candido Botelho Bracher, Ione Amorim, Peter Baumgaertner, Paul Bond, Leandro Vilain, Pedro Carvalho

Financial Advisor ˙

Report Cover for Latin American State Oil Companies and Climate Change

Latin American State Oil Companies and Climate Change: Decarbonization Strategies and Role in the Energy Transition

Latin American national oil companies (NOCs) have made important advances in slashing emissions from their operations through techniques such as reducing flaring, improving energy efficiency, and injecting CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, according to a new report by the Inter-American Dialogue and the Inter-American Development Bank. Yet, progress in producing lower carbon energy sources for consumers has been sluggish, no Latin American NOC has committed to net zero emissions, and for some companies emissions are on the rise, the report finds.

Lisa Viscidi, Sarah Phillips, Paola Carvajal, Carlos Sucre

Reports ˙ ˙ Download Report

Chile has recorded more than 20,000 cases, but only 270 deaths, one of the lowest rates in the world. // File Photo: Chilean Government.

Covid-19 in the Americas: A Case in Contrasts

Some governments in Latin America imposed early preventive measures and mobilized health systems to meet the threat of Covid-19. Meanwhile, others with populist national leaders have done very little to prepare for or otherwise mitigate the epidemic.

Julio Frenk, Felicia Marie Knaul, Michael Touchton

Latin America Advisor ˙

A terminal operated by Brazilian state oil company is pictured. // File Photo: Petrobras.

How Are Plunging Oil Prices Changing Petrobras’ Strategies?

What consequences does the global context—with both lower prices and falling demand—have on Petrobras’ long-term strategies and on Brazil’s oil and gas sector in general?

Nathália Weber Neiva Masulino, Vera de Brito de Gyarfas, Cleveland Jones, John Forman

Energy Advisor ˙

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro // File Photo: Brazilian Government

Will Brazil Allow Development on Indigenous Lands?

A Latin America Advisor Q&A featuring experts’ viewpoints on the development of indigenous land in Brazil.

Isabella Alcañiz, Leni Berliner, Jana Nelson, Luiza Lima

Latin America Advisor ˙

Early Childhood Brazil

Brazil: Progress Report of Early Childhood Development Policies

Childhood development has been gaining traction in recent years and is increasingly present in the Brazilian public agenda, however improving the quality and measurement of services is still a priority. This report presents the current state of early childhood policies in Brazil.

Inter-American Dialogue, Fundação Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal

Reports ˙ ˙ Brasil: Informe de Progreso de Políticas de Primera Infancia

Clean Energy Auctions in Latin America

Long-term power supply auctions are an increasingly popular instrument worldwide for attracting renewable energy investment while cutting prices, increasing energy security, and reducing emissions. Latin America has been at the forefront of using auctions to boost renewable energy capacity. This study analyzes design and outcomes of government-led long-term power auctions with participation from non-conventional renewable sources in six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Jamaica) since 2015.

Lisa Viscidi, Ariel Yépez-García

Reports ˙ ˙ Inter-American Development Bank

Has Bolsonaro’s First Year Been a Success or Failure?

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday completed his first year in office, one marked by international controversy over the Amazon, a slight economic recovery, political spats within his own party, as well as some significant legislative wins, including comprehensive pension reform. How well has Bolsonaro fared in his first year as Brazil’s president, and has he met voters’ expectations of change? How well is his government handling economic matters, and what should it focus on in the year ahead? To what extent has Bolsonaro’s confrontational political style helped or hindered his effectiveness in working with Brazil’s Congress?

Peter Hakim, Nerea R. García, Jorge Zaverucha, Fábio Kerche

Latin America Advisor ˙

Turmoil in South America and the Impact on Energy Markets

2019 has been a tumultuous year for South America. In recent months, mass protests have swept across several countries, including major oil and gas producers Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Continued political and social turbulence will likely contribute to stagnant oil and gas production growth in these countries. Conversely, Brazil and Guyana are on track to become the region’s largest sources of supply growth.

Lisa Viscidi

Articles & Op-Eds ˙ ˙ Istituto Affari Internazionali

Editor’s Picks: Top Content from the Latin America Advisor 2019

Top selections from the Latin America Advisor’s editorial staff of issues covering especially important developments during 2019, a remarkable year for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Gene Kuleta, Anastasia Chacón González

Latin America Advisor ˙