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.

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.

The 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.

The 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.

• Chile hopes to overcome its ultra-dependence upon energy
  por Juan Antonio Sacaluga

The 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.

• Latin America must create a permanent forum for security
  por Rafael Moreno Izquierdo

It 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.

The 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.

The 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.

• Cuba, following in the footsteps of China and Vietnam
  por José Luis Martínez

Today 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?

• Brazil is looking to accelerate its growth
  por Marcelo Luchino
• The Globalization of Brazil
  por Marcelo Luchino