Safe Democracy Foundation - Safe Democracy

200 years of partial and deficient emancipation

Beginning next year, there will be bicentennial celebrations for the independence of the Hispanic-American republics. But, certain realities suggest instead a stubborn and steadfast dependence.

 Zidane Zeraoui believes that for the fight against drug-trafficking and organized crime to succeed in Mexico, Felipe Calderon’s government must take drastic measures: reforming and cleansing the police, and acting firmly with respect for the law.

500 hundred years later, identity and social justice

In the Latin American public sphere new actors have emerged in the last few years that in reality have always existed yet lacked a voice, the natives. Today, thanks to certain regional leaders, they are realizing that the natives are also citizens of their countries.

Mauricio Macri, Elected Mayor for the City of Buenos Aires

By Fabian Bosoer (for Safe Democracy)

The victory of Mauricio Macri as mayor of the City of Buenos Aires represents a new wave in Argentine politics and highlights the existence of a liberal, right-of-center lean, with more future than past.

Venezuela and the continuation of underdevelopment

By Javier del Rey Morató (for Safe Democracy)

Javier del Rey Morató examines the power bases of Hugo Chávez –the magic of Communication, petroleum and a missing opposition–, and along with that, he predicts a problematic future for Venezuela, given that, in his opinion, the factor of petroleum and messianic dictatorship only generate underdevelopment.

PLUS: Radio Caracas Television Becomes History, by Iraxis Bello

Freedom of press in a polarized nation

By Iraxis Bello (for Safe Democracy)

Iraxis Bello believes that above and beyond the legality of Hugo Chavez’s decision to close down the private channel Radio Caracas Television, what is taking place in Venezuela is an affront on the plurality of opinion and the liberty of the press.

Integration undermined by internal disagreement

By Pablo Mieres (for Safe Democracy)

Pablo Mieres considers that with internal disagreement among the member states, and the paralysis of commercial relations with the European Union, it is hard to be optimistic about the future of MERCOSUR, despite the recent inauguration of a regional Parliament.

Lula, the star of energy and integration

By Ricardo Israel Z. (for Safe Democracy)

Ricardo Israel Z. explains the issues debated at the regional summit of the Economic Davos Forum: energy, China, world economic growth, biofuel, and public finance. In Israel Z.’s opinion, the regional summit was useful, but not groundbreaking.