Brookings: Experts - Kevin Casas-Zamora

State of Siege in Honduras

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday, the de facto president of Honduras, Roberto Micheletti, declared a state of siege in the country for 45 days. Kevin Casas-Zamora believes this move diminishes the hope that elections in November will be viewed as legitimate and says Micheletti should lift the siege and show restraint if he wants the crisis to end.

Courting Disaster in Honduras

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the deposed president of Honduras, Manual Zelaya, returned to Tequcigalpa this week, he dramatically altered the ongoing political crisis in the country, writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. Casas-Zamora believes this new development makes reaching a political settlement more difficult, and says negotiated solutions should be expanded so that the November elections can be carried out as scheduled.

Between Hypocrisy and Narcoterrorism in Latin America

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new agreement between the United States and Colombia will give the U.S. military access to seven existing facilities in order to carry out counternarcotics and counterinsurgency operations. Mauricio Cardenas and Kevin Casas-Zamora examine concerns among countries in Latin America regarding this move and argue that it is time to have meaningful conversation on a problem that affects the whole hemisphere.

The Careful U.S. Diplomacy on Honduras

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora joined CFR.org's Bernard Gwertzman to discuss Honduran President Manuel Zelaya's ousting as well as how the United States has and should continue to respond. Casas-Zamora said that by putting diplomatic weight behind regional leaders, the Obama administration has demonstrated sensitivity to Latin American sensibilities.

Crisis in Honduras

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The June 28 military ousting of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya capped weeks of tension brought about by his attempt to amend the constitution to enable reelection. Kevin Casas-Zamora says this coup is a step backward for democracy in Latin America and he urges the United States to both pay close attention to the situation and to show friends and foes in the hemisphere that Washington sides with democracy.

Four Reflections on the Political Consequences of the Economic Crisis in Latin America

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora analyzes what is known and unknown about the global financial crisis and its effects on Latin America. Casas-Zamora explores four main issues regarding the political ramifications of the crisis and offers suggestions on how governments in the region should respond.

'Guatemalastan': How to Prevent a Failed State in our Midst

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora argues that the weakness of Guatemala as a state, the pervasive violence, the widespread corruption and the country’s strategic location for drug trafficking are creating a very dangerous cocktail. He believes reform is necessary but also notes it will be quite difficult.

Panama at the Polls: A Study in Political Weakness

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 3, Panama will elect a new president. Kevin Casas-Zamora explores the campaigns of the incumbent and challenger and examines why Panama can be viewed as one of the better functioning and most stable polities in Latin America.

Obama at the Summit of the Americas

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All things considered, the Summit was a success for the President and for the U.S. writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. He concludes that despite the dearth of immediate results, the mutation in tone under Obama will lead in due course to concrete changes in the U.S. relationship with the region.

Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora believes the report of the Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy is a significant addition to an urgent conversation in the hemisphere. Casas-Zamora argues that, with a new U.S. administration far less hooked to the socially conservative attitudes that have long defined the debate, a frank discussion on drugs—both domestic and international—can at last begin.

The Fifth Summit of the Americas: Recommendations for Action

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders of the Western Hemisphere gathered in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17-19, 2009 for the fifth Summit of the Americas. In a series of commentary articles focused on the summit's agenda and key challenges, Brookings experts discuss critical economic, social, energy and climate change issues facing the leaders attending the summit and propose recommendations for policy action.

El Salvador’s Democratic Test

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora analyzes the election of Mauricio Funes as El Salvador's new president. Casas-Zamora argues Funes faces an uphill battle in preaching moderation, but that the U.S. would do well to welcome his election and offer him tangible support for key social reforms.

In Praise of Latin America's Irrelevance

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora writes that Latin American irrelevance to U.S. policy since the end of the Cold War has been largely positive for the region. Though the Obama administration is likely to address some issues in the region, Casas-Zamora expects few major changes.

Hugo Chavez: A Lame Duck no More

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Having just celebrated his first decade in power to the tune of a national holiday, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is here to stay, writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. Though Chavez remains a formidable tactician and a better-than-average strategist, Casas-Zamora notes there are obstacles ahead like oil prices that have plummeted, crime, and an anti-Chavez opposition that is less marginalized than in the past.

A Decade of Hugo Chávez

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora examines Venezuela after 10 years of Hugo Chávez. Casas-Zamora argues that Venezuela remains under-developed even by Latin America standards and that recent history can show how perils may beset unjust democracies.

Communications Embargo on Cuba: Let Them Surf, Not Float

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While continuing to face dire economic challenges, Cuba has the potential to become a regional economic powerhouse. Kevin Casas-Zamora argues that one hurdle in particular keeps the Cuban economy from advancing: Cuba significantly lags behind the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean when it comes to the use information and communication technologies.

Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega: Not Another Mugabe, Please

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora argues the international community must put pressure on the increasingly autocratic regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

Why the Discomfort Over Free Trade

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora argues that if free trade is to succeed, advocates must address the real problems trade liberalization creates for many in the developing world. Developing nations, now increasingly important actors in the global economy, likewise deserve a larger role in governing the system of global trade.

Crime in Latin America

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Kevin Casas-Zamora writes that Latin American democracies must deal seriously with the mounting casualties of violence across the continent. He believes a comprehensive policy of reform among police forces, and the introduction of modern technology as well as more investment in civil society, can create lasting and sustainable solutions to crime.