Democracy is under threat in Central America and authoritarianism is on the rise. This problem is having long-term institutional and economic implications for these countries and poses serious challenges for US policy towards the region. Uncheckered political ambitions and abuses of authority in the form of corruption or political and economic favoritism are signs of severe democratic backsliding. Nicaragua is an illustration of the consequences of unconstrained power. But the growing corruption and political ambitions of other Central American leaders could further affect democratic institutions in the region. It is important not only to bear witness but to mobilize proactive foreign policy to prevent authoritarianism from rising.Read more +
Tamara Taraciuk Broner, Daniel Caballero
˙
˙
Voces
In Latin America, the rise of so-called “outsiders” with anti-system or anti-establishment agendas has had significant consequences for the rule of law.Read more +
This piece offers a look at the current migration trends and points to large differences that characterize this situation as a crisis: the scale, composition, nature, and management of migration is outside conventional or historical patterns. Aspects of this unprecedented migration pattern are not within the control of government authorities and policy makers. The recent migration wave to the US border has been referred to as a crisis. Media references point to the drama of people arriving and passing through the Darien, Central America, and Mexico to characterize the problem. Others have pointed out the increasing arrivals into US cities in numbers that are hard to manage by local communities.Read more +
This blog examines remittance sending costs to eight Latin American and Caribbean countries and considers that the most important reality shaping the money transfer intermediation industry is that is tied to a global currency market.Read more +
Given its commitment to reviving multilateralism and bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Biden administration is well-positioned to use these instruments to implement its more holistic regional agenda. After decades of privileging police and military assistance and waiting for government uptake of institutional strengthening efforts, it is time to look beyond Central American states and reinvest in civil society-based anti-corruption coalitions that can be the engines of political and economic change.Read more +
Nate Graham, Jamie Dorner, José Daniel Madrigal
˙
˙
Voces
Making climate change a central theme of a renewed US focus on the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle presents an opportunity for the Biden administration to address its border dilemma while simultaneously advancing its climate-related foreign policy goals. Read more +
Recientemente la primera dama dijo que ella pensaba mandar a su hija a estudiar a Estados Unidos, “pero no la voy a mandar con un coyote, eso no lo haría nunca.”Read more +
The Honduran First Lady recently said that she would like to send her daughter to the United States to study, “but not with a coyote, that I would never do.” Read more +
While the number of people leaving Central America is well documented, less is known on how many return home, either voluntarily or involuntarily.Read more +
Federico Sucre, Ariel Fiszbein
˙
˙
PREAL Blog
Despite the importance of teachers in the learning process, systems for recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting teachers remain deficientRead more +