A breath of fresh air for relations between the U.S. and Latin America?

What Obama, Clinton, and McCain say and think about the region

By José Luis Martínez, 17th April 2008

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All indications are that, beginning in November, the scale of diplomatic relations between the United States and Latin America will increase. Although each has a different point of view, the three presidential candidates agree that Washington should pay more attention to Latin-American countries if it wants to influence the region.

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Mexico and its Great Institutional Weaknesses

The (impossible?) challenge of confronting organized crime

By Luis Méndez Asensio, 16th April 2008

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Many Mexican citizens have resigned themselves to accept insecurity as something inevitable due to the inability (or the corruption) of the police and judges with regards to the control of drug trafficking and organized delinquency. The Calderón government only manages to tackle occasional skirmishes against the local mafia, affirms the author.

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Argentina: The field revolt squeezes economic growth

Agricultural retentions enter into an irreversible and forced revision

By Fabián Bosoer, 10th April 2008

cacerolada.jpgThe Argentinean government is in a squeeze: with the intention of brutally increasing soy retentions, their principal export product, they disturb the scaffolding of the spectacular economic growth registered in the last five years. The conflict between the Government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and the field has exploded. Understand why.

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Bolivia and the Energy Challenges in Latin America

The “anti-imperialist nationalism” of La Paz and Caracas stops investment in infrastructures

By Hugo San Martín Arzabe, 10th April 2008

energiabolvia.jpgThe uncertainty generated by the energy politics of the government of Evo Morales has a negative impact on investment, states the author. The current production of hydrocarbons is stagnant and unable to cover, in the case of natural gas, the exportation commitments with Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. In addition, in case of the liquids, the increasing requirements of Bolivia’s own internal market cannot be covered by hydrocarbons. It remains slightly contradictory because in 2002 Bolivia aspired to be the energetic core of the whole region.

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Security and Cooperation in Latin America

Is this the rebirth of the Organization of the American States?

By Rut Diamint, 3rd April 2008

insulza.jpgThe Organization of the American States [OAS] was born to install peace and contribute to the development of the societies of the American Hemisphere. However, things changed and tension developed between the United States and Latin America. Nevertheless, the crisis between Bogota and Quito has shown that problems are solved through international law and the will of Latin American leaders–a demonstration of multilateralism in the region that is a reason to celebrate, assures the author.

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Latin America must create a permanent forum for security

The concepts of “Defense” and “Sovereignty” put to test

By Rafael Moreno Izquierdo, 27th March 2008

guerrillagirl.jpgIt does not make sense to think that the national interests safeguard can be guaranteed with measures that have exclusively national jurisdiction. Colombia will not be successful against FARC if its members find refuge on the other side of the border (which does not exempt Bogotá from having to ask Ecuador for complete forgiveness). Latin America will only achieve domestic and foreign security with a common and coordinated effort. Here is how.

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The Danger of War in Andean America

The outbreak of the Colombian crisis generates a shock wave, bringing misfortune with it

By José Catalán Deus, 18th March 2008

correachavezuribe.jpgThe escalating tension between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela is as incredible as it is dangerous. The shaky international community cannot allow an armed conflict to break out in the Andes region, or even a new focal point of tension in the American continent. Rhetoric can turn into drama, states the author.

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Castro succeeds Castro and “gatopardism” prevails

The “Fidelistas” stay in power and assure the continuity of the regime

By Julio Miranda, 13th March 2008

castrocastro1.jpgThe expectations that Fidel Castro’s resignation generated throughout the world are vanishing. Nothing augurs profound change, at least not in line with the change that world leaders are looking for. It looks like the day in which Cuba opens itself up to democracy, holds debates regarding the rights of the people and is incorporated into the global economy is far away, the author assures.

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Brazil and the effects of the international financial turbulence

In view of the possible American recession, can refuge be found in the emerging economies?

By Marcelo Luchino, 6th March 2008

brasilbovespa.jpgToday Brazil receives an important flow of capital in the form of direct, as well as financial, investments, partly induced by the differential between the American and domestic interest rates. What would happen if the United States were to effectively slip into a recession and the Federal Reserve were to decide to continue lowering the rates? What would the consequences for the local economy be?

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