Six months of Obama’s mandate have gone by and the beginning of his ever so mentioned “change” is starting to come to life. Apart from the expressive warm feelings between Obama and Hugo Chavez- the photograph which depicts Obama’s hand outstretched firmly to hold Chavez’s, a strong statement of the fact that Venezuela no longer poses a threat to the U.S- there are basically three main events which give us the magnitude of this change.
Interamerican relations: Obama’s approach to Latin America
The major changes the “new Washington” has brought to the world of foreign policy in relation to the American continents
Chávez digs a deeper hole for Venezuela
Venezuela’s society suffers from an increase in corruption and repression
China: Hu Jintao and the national minorities
The government steps further away from solving interethnic problems
Pakistan’s multidimensional governance crisis
The lethal combination of an unsettling government, terrorism and a crashing economy
Pakistan suffered from a multidimensional governance crisis of a very serious nature. The Pakistani state was not performing as expected and the political system was fragile. Notwithstanding the fact that Pakistan was a nuclear power, the country was weakened from within because of continued political and economic crisis of immense magnitude.
Argentina loses its international strength
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner: great expectations, skimpy results
Fernández de Kirchner must put aside the diplomatic arrogance full of grand proclamations and responsibly face up to a foreign policy in which the results coincide with Argentina’s strategic guidelines. A preliminary assessment of her performance leaves big question marks and a feeling of deception.
Honduras suffers a violent coup d’etat: A step backwards for institutionality
President Zelaya arrested by the army and exiled to Costa Rica
No surprises at the European elections in Spain
Four main points to take into consideration from the electoral results
Zapatero should not wear a defeated look on his face, because he has not been defeated. Nonetheless, Rajoy should not sport a triumphant smile either. Those who voted in the European Parliament elections in Spain form the solid core of both parties, but the direction of future general elections will be decided by that other 50 percent that abstained from voting.