Brookings: Topics - Latin America

Fiscal Policy Rules and Latin America: Lessons from the Crisis

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiscal policy has been mentioned as a key driver of the resilience that many large Latin American countries have seen during the global financial crisis. Mauricio Cárdenas and José Tessada examine Chile's fiscal rules and caution that a comprehensive fiscal strategy cannot focus solely on the short- and medium-term evolution of fiscal policy.

Colombia's Increasing Hemispheric Isolation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In recent months, Colombia has experienced increased isolation from its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, due to border and military disputes, refusals to cooperate on economic and political fronts and disenchantment with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for this isolation, and possible remedies the Obama administration may apply.

Political Polarization in Latin America

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the values measured in the 2005 World Values Survey was political ideology. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the concept of political cohesion in Latin America and how ideology and political polarization can impact economic growth.

Climate Change and Latin America: The Long Way to Copenhagen

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Only a few regions in the world are more affected by climate change than Latin America. However the region lacks a common perspective and will not be heard in the U.S. Congress or in international deliberations in Copenhagen unless it unifies as a strong voice. Mauricio Cárdenas proposes a formal subgroup of several Latin American countries for cooperation on climate change and points to specific commitments they should consider.

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Latin America, a region that has faced both challenges and opportunities during the financial crisis, has had more economic growth than other areas of the world. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the forces behind this economic success and the need for the region to seize this crisis as an opportunity to make important reforms to solve longstanding problems.

Paradox and Perception : Measuring Quality of Life in Latin America

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Paradox and Perception greatly improves our understanding of the determinants of well-being in Latin America based on a broad "quality of life" concept that challenges some standard assumptions in economics, including those about the relationship between happiness and income.

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.

Regional Workshop on Protection and Response in Situations of Natural Disaster

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Central America is a region constantly exposed to risks from natural disasters. It is important for governments to develop a human rights based approach to disaster response in order to decrease the likelihood of human rights violations of the victims of natural disasters. In order to promote the development of such strategies as well as strengthen the cooperation of humanitarian and human rights agencies in the field, CONRED, CEPREDENAC, and the Brookings-Bern Project, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland, convened a workshop on disaster response and protection in situations of natural disaster in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

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.

G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On September 24, President Obama will chair his first G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the world economy improving, leaders will now focus their attention on economic recovery and restoring financial stability. Experts from Brookings Global Economy and Development program analyze top issues to be addressed at the summit and provide recommendations on how to effectively overcome global economic and governance challenges to ensure recovery now and to prevent future crises.

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.

Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Lives : Assets and Poverty Reduction in Guayaquil, 1978-2004

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Lives, Moser shows how a more sophisticated understanding of the complexities of asset accumulation as well as poverty itself can help counter inaccurate stereotypes about global poverty.

President Obama in Mexico

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown joined Diane Rehm to discuss President Obama's meeting in Guadalajara with leaders of Canada and Mexico on issues of mutual concern including escalating drug violence in Mexico, immigration and the economy.

Protecting the Displaced in Colombia: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In most societies, citizens have more interaction with municipal authorities than with national government officials. The same is true in Colombia. However, policies that address displacement are often developed by the national government and left to the municipal authorities to implement. In this report, the Brookings-Bern Project presents the issues discussed at a workshop for municipal authorities in how to better respond to the needs of Colombia's IDPs.

Latin America's Infrastructure: Roads to the Future

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 21, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM

On July 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) hosted a discussion of CAF’s recent report titled “Roads to the Future: Management of Infrastructure in Latin America.”

The Scouting Report: A New Partnership with Latin America

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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July 15, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

Brookings expert Mauricio Cárdenas, director of the Latin America Initiative at Brookings, and Fred Barbash, senior editor of Politico, took questions on U.S.-Latin America relations in this edition of the Scouting Report.

Brazil in the Global Crisis: Still a Rising Economic Superpower?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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July 13, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On July 13, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion on the recently released book, Brazil as an Economic Superpower? Understanding Brazil’s Changing Role in the Global Economy (Brookings Institution Press, 2009), edited by Brookings Political Economy Fellow Leonardo Martinez-Diaz and Lael Brainard, former vice president and director of Global Economy and Development at Brookings.

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.

Latin America and the Economic Crisis: Designing and Implementing Stimulus Policies

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mauricio Cárdenas critiques the conventional wisdom that economic contractions are a thing of the past in Latin America and a growing belief the region will soon be out of the recession. He concludes that any recovery will be slow and there may be periods of sharp adjustment during the process.

Latin America and the Economic Crisis: An Address by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM

On June 23, the Brookings Institution hosted Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, president of the Republic of Chile, for a discussion of the Latin American countries and the economic measures they are taking to cope with the global financial crisis.

Crossroads on Cuba: Will Democracy or Sovereignty Prevail?

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Piccone writes that the future of the Organization of American States (OAS) depends on how it manages the readmission of Cuba to the regional organization. Piccone urges member states not to depart from the organization’s core democratic and human rights principles.

The Merida Initiative and Central America: The Challenges of Containing Public Insecurity and Criminal Violence

Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rising level of violence in Central America, as well as Mexico, has created sensational headlines and Hollywood style footage on the nightly news. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for the growth in public insecurity and crime within El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to determine an appropriate response.

The Global Economic Crisis and Mexico: Challenges for Recovery

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the "Global Economic Crisis" study series, Martinez- Diaz spoke at the Center for National as part of a discussion focused on the impact of the global economic crisis on stability in Mexico and what that means for the United States. He outlined five crucial economic challenges facing the country that its leadership must address in order to stimulate a full and sustainable recovery.

The Merida Initiative and Central America

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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May 26, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On May 26, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Washington Office for Latin America hosted a discussion on the Central American component of the Merida Initiative, a 3-year program that provides funding for a wide-range of drug interdiction, prevention and intervention activities throughout Mexico, Central America and select Caribbean countries.

A Comparative Study of FARC and Paramilitary Groups in Colombia

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab and Alexandra Taylor analyze how terrorist groups and armed insurgents in Colombia regularly exploit illicit markets to launder money, traffic illegal goods, and purchase arms. The authors find that group goals, the political environment, and membership strongly influence the types of criminal activities a given armed group undertakes. They conclude that membership and political agenda of sub-state armed groups not only distinguishes them from criminal groups, but also shapes their criminal behavior.

'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.

The IMF’s Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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May 21, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Spillovers from a global crisis that began in advanced economies pose a severe test to Latin America and the Caribbean region. On May 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted Nicolás Eyzaguirre, director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, and Steve Phillips, also of the IMF, as they presented this year’s Regional Economic Outlook: Western Hemisphere report.

Obama off to Good Start in Latin America

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Abe Lowenthal writes that among the important accomplishments by President Obama in his first 100 days has been a major step forward in U.S. relations with our neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lowenthal outlines policies the United States should pursue in the Americas and reminds the administration to keep it simple in the region.

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.

Latin America's Challenges Beyond the Global Crisis

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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April 24, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On April 24, the Brookings Institution and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) hosted a discussion on the present and future impact of the financial crisis on Latin America.

U.S. Foreign Policy and President Obama

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual and Brent Scowcroft joined Charlie Rose to discuss President Obama’s ambitious new approach to U.S. foreign policy. Pascual also commented on his new book, Power & Responsibility, and the realist perspective behind it.

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.

A New Policy of Critical and Constructive Engagement with Cuba

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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April 22, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

As the White House and Congress struggle to reshape U.S. policy toward Cuba, the Brookings Institution launched a new report on U.S. Policy Toward a Cuba in Transition, entitled Cuba: A New Policy of Critical and Constructive Engagement. Brookings suggests a path forward on travel, trade, human rights and diplomatic engagement – all focused on helping Cubans define a democratic course for Cuba.

Assessment of the Implementation of the United States Government's Support for Plan Colombia's Illicit Crop Reduction Components

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown and several other authors produced a report evaluating Plan Columbia for review by the United States Agency for Development. The study provides an assessment of the success of counternarcotics strategies to date and offers recommendations for the U.S. government to strengthen future efforts.

The Summit of the Americas and Regional Development Banks

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:51:07 GMT

Mauricio Cárdenas, director of the Latin America Initiative, says the focus of the fifth Summit of the Americas will be the global economic crisis. He also explains that the nations need to agree on strengthening regional development banks and that certain countries need open trade.

President Obama and the Summit of the Americas

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Key differences persist among the many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In the leadup to the fifth Summit of the Americas, Abraham Lowenthal says Obama would do well to remember Ronald Reagan's comment on returning from his first trip to South America as president: "These Latin American countries are all very different from each other."

Previewing the Summit of the Americas

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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April 14, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

The Obama administration faces a number of challenges in Latin America. The fifth Summit of the Americas offers leaders of the Western Hemisphere an opportunity to partner on a new and robust agenda that spans global economic, social, energy and climate change issues. On April 14, Brookings experts discussed the critical issues facing the leaders attending the summit and proposed recommendations for action.

Will Obama Retreat on Democracy in Latin America?

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Summit of the Americas draws near, Ted Piccone analyzes Obama's debut before the hemisphere’s main gathering of democratically elected leaders and discusses what should come from the meeting. Piccone believes Obama should lead by example by implementing human rights reforms at home and by reminding colleagues they share a responsibility to follow universal democratic standards.

Cuba: A New Policy of Critical and Constructive Engagement

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration announced changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including lifting the ban on some types of travel between the two nations. This change represents a major shift in U.S. policy. A new Brookings report recommends further short-term and longer-term changes.

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.

The Summit of the Americas and Democracy

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:57:55 GMT

In previewing the fifth Summit of the Americas, Ted Piccone notes that popular support for democracy and good governance is widespread in Latin America and that the United States has an opportunity to fix its approach to democracy assistance.

The Scouting Report: Previewing the Summit of the Americas

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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April 08, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

The Obama administration faces any number of challenges in Latin America, from Cuba to Colombia, from Bolivia to Venezuela. Mauricio Cárdenas previewed the upcoming Summit of the Americas and took your questions on U.S. policy in the region during a live web chat with Politico's Fred Barbash.

Weak States and the Summit of the Americas

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:09:56 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown previews the Summit of the Americas talks opening this week in Trinidad and Tobago and outlines some of the key political, economic and social issues up for discussion, including the role of the United States.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in Colombia

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The advances in laws related to IDPs have not addressed the relationship between internal displacement and peacebuilding in Colombia. Elizabeth Ferris explores the issue.

Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 06, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On April 6, the Brookings Institution hosted former President of Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso and former President of Colombia César Gaviria for the U.S. release of the report “Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift” by the Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy. As co-presidents of the Commission, Presidents Cardoso and Gaviria presented findings of the report and discussed its recommendations for reducing harm caused by illegal narcotics to people, societies and public institutions.

The G-20 Statement: Implications for Latin America

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Economic conditions in emerging and developing countries are rapidly deteriorating and many are unable to implement recommended fiscal stimulus plans. Following the G-20 London Summit, Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the implications for Latin America and how multilateral development banks will play a role in economic recovery.

The Obama Administration and the Americas : Agenda for Change

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration inherits a daunting set of domestic and international policy challenges. The Obama Administration and the Americas, however, argues that the new administration should focus early and strategically on Latin America.

Brazil as an Economic Superpower? : Understanding Brazil's Changing Role in the Global Economy

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings gathered scholars and policymakers from Brazil, Europe, and the United States to examine the present state and likely future of Brazil’s economy. Their findings can be found in Brazil as an Economic Superpower? The authors’ analysis focuses particularly on five key topics: agribusiness, energy, trade, social investment, and multinational corporations.

The Obama Administration and the Americas: Agenda for Change

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

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April 01, 2009, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 1, Brookings hosted a panel discussion on the upcoming Summit of the Americas and the recently released book, The Obama Administration and the Americas: Agenda for Change (Brookings Institution Press, 2009), edited by Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Abraham F. Lowenthal, Brookings Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of Foreign Policy Theodore J. Piccone and University of Oxford Fellow Laurence Whitehead.

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.

The G-20 Summit and the Financial Crisis’ Impact on Latin America

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:39:12 GMT

As the global economic crisis continues, Mauricio Cárdenas says emerging economies in Latin America and elsewhere are hit especially hard. He says G-20 members must urge the multilateral banks to continue lending to the region and adds that without such assistance the crisis will only worsen.

The Limits to Fiscal Stimulus in Latin America and the Caribbean

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite calls for all countries to pursue stimulus efforts, not all countries are capable of enacting fiscal stimulus plans to foster economic growth during the global financial crisis. Mauricio Cárdenas and Julia Guerreiro discuss the current status of Latin American countries and consider the magnitude of fiscal stimulus efforts already underway.

The Scouting Report: Mexico's Economy

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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March 11, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

Traditionally, according to economists, when the U.S. economy catches a cold, the Mexican economy catches pneumonia. Brookings expert Leonardo Martinez-Diaz and Senior Politico Editor Fred Barbash examined the problems plaguing the Mexican economy and potential policy solutions in an onlin chat.

The Violent Drug Market in Mexico and Lessons from Colombia

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Drug-related violence and the breakdown in security in Mexico have escalated to extraordinary levels over the past two years. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines this growing threat to civil society in Mexico, the spillover of crime into the U.S., how the situation compares to similar struggles in Colombia, and offers recommendations for a new strategy in the region.

Mexico’s Economy: Preparing for a Tough Year

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mexico’s economy is facing a difficult year ahead as the global financial crisis deepens and the U.S. economy contracts further. Leonardo Martinez-Diaz offers recommendations to policymakers on how to address some of the immediate challenges and discusses the current state of the Mexican economy.

The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Low-income Countries

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a Brookings Institution discussion that featured IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Mauricio Cárdenas spoke on how the global financial crisis has impacted Latin America and addressed stimulus plans and challenges.

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.

Roadmap for Engagement with Cuba

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Under the auspices of the project “U.S. Policy toward a Cuba in Transition,” nineteen distinguished academics, opinion leaders and diplomats committed themselves to seeking ways to improve U.S.-Cuba policy. A great lesson of democracy is that it cannot be imposed; it must come from within. The project members find that U.S. policy should encompass the political, economic and diplomatic tools that are needed to help the Cuban people find the political space that is essential to engage in and direct the politics of their country.

Only the U.S. Can Win War on Drugs

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Andrés Rozental and Stanley Weiss examine Mexico's difficult fight against drug cartels and how the continued high number of Americans using illicit drugs is helping push Mexico toward the brink. As Mexico fights its war on supply, Rozental and Weiss argue the U.S. must fulfill its responsibility to curb the war on demand while also considering gradual legalization of some substances.

Internal Displacement and the Construction of Peace

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Colombia has one of the world’s largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated between 2.6 and 4.3 million people. Although Colombia’s government has implemented political reconciliation and socioeconomic stabilization measures in recent years, long-term solutions for millions of displaced Colombians continue to be elusive.

Use "Smart Power" to Help Cubans

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston and Carlos Pascual argue that if President Obama wishes to alter U.S. policy toward Cuba, he has ample authority to do so. Huddleston and Pascual examine Obama's executive authority and note there is no reason the U.S. cannot reach out to the Cuban people and still retain the embargo as a symbol of concern about their government's failure to live up to international norms and human rights.

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.

Latin America, the Global Financial Crisis and the Velocity of Business

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the effects of the financial crisis continue to be felt across the globe, much of Latin America should be well prepared to weather the global financial storms with more opportunity for growth. In a speech at the Economist's 11th Annual Conference on Latin America Private Equity, held in Miami Florida, Mauricio Cárdenas discusses how the United States and Latin American countries can work together, not only on financing and aid, but also on issues like trade, migration, energy, and climate change.

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.

Latin America's Economic Outlook for 2009: No Time for Optimism

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What is the forecast for Latin American economies in 2009? Brookings Fellow Mauricio Cardenas and Arturo Galindo of the Inter-American Development Bank explain why the Latin America economic outlook for 2009 does not appear particularly grim—and even offers the prospect of limited but continued growth—despite the sharp recession in the U.S., a key influencer on the region's economic growth patterns.

The Economics of Happiness in Latin America

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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January 21, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

In spite of the challenges posed by poverty and high levels of inequality in Latin America, studies show its people are generally happy and continue to support market reforms and democracy. Yet, in the midst of the global financial crisis, will this trend shift in Latin America? On January 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion on the current trends in the region in terms of economic growth, inflation, unemployment and the financial crisis, based on the most recent evaluations from a new approach in economics: the economics of happiness.

Institutions Versus Policies: A Tale of Two Islands

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A long line of work emphasizes the correlation between institutions and economic performance. In a new working paper, Peter Blair Henry and Conrad Miller explore this relationship on two Caribbean islands and how economic policy decisions can have permanent effect on a country's general economic well being.

Central America in 2009: Off the U.S. Radar

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Barack Obama prepares to take office, Central America is falling off the radar among the many accumulated problems to address, domestic and international. Abraham Lowenthal examines four Central American countries and compares their changes and growth. He recommends modest investments in the region for the new Obama administration.

Cuba at Fifty

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

January 1, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro's revolution and ascension to power in Cuba. Vicki Huddleston reviews the family feud across the Florida Straits and argues that a changed world offers opportunities to those Cuban Americans and Cubans bold enough to bury the past and build a future friendship among all Cubans and Americans.

Rethinking U.S.-Latin America Relations

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:02:13 GMT

Latin America Initiative Director Mauricio Cárdenas says the Partnership for the Americas Commission’s new report offers important recommendations and insights for the president-elect.

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.

Public Policies to Assist Internally Displaced Persons: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The intensification of the armed conflict in Colombia during the 1990s provoked the forced displacement of more than 2.4 million people, with the vast majority of municipalities either losing or receiving persons displaced by the conflict. Though Colombia has several national laws and decrees on internal displacement, implementation has been slow and uneven throughout the different state and municipal institutions. In this new report commissioned by the Brookings-Bern Project, Ana María Ibañez and Andrea Valásquez, examine the obstacles to greater involvement by municipal authorities with IDPs, focusing on four cases: Bogotá, Medellín, Antioquia, and Santa Marta.

Cuban American Opinions Concerning U.S. Policy Toward Cuba and Recent U.S. Election

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 02, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

On December 2, The Brookings Institution released the results of a new poll on Cuban American opinion conducted by Florida International University in collaboration with the Brookings Institution and the Cuba Study Group.

Es Hora de Reevaluar las Relaciones con América Latina

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

En una reciente transmisión de Radio Netherland, la emisora mundial de Holanda, se entrevistó a Leonardo Martínez-Díaz, subdirector de la “Comisión Alianza de las Américas” de la Institución Brookings, en relación al informe “Replanteando las Relaciones entre EE.UU. y América Latina: Una Alianza Hemisférica para un Mundo Turbulento”. Martínez-Díaz habla sobre el objetivo del informe de contribuir al debate en áreas de interés mutuo para EE.UU. y los países de América Latina y el Caribe, en medio de la oportunidad política que representa la toma de poder de la administración del presidente electo Barack Obama.

Re-Thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the opportunity of a new U.S. administration and Congress, Brookings’s Partnership for the Americas Commission released its final report noting the need for a new hemispheric partnership to address key transnational challenges and providing specific policy recommendations on five key areas: energy and climate change, migration, trade, organized crime and drug trafficking and U.S.-Cuban relations.

Re-Thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations: A Hemispheric Partnership for a Turbulent World

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2008, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On November 24, the Brookings Institution hosted the Partnership for the Americas Commission for the release of their report, “Re-thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations: A Hemispheric Partnership for a Turbulent World," which offers a set of policy recommendations to the next U.S. administration to meet the challenges facing the U.S. and Latin America, from economic and poverty policies to security, foreign policy and energy.

Pay Attention to Latin America

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new op-ed outlining the recommendations by Brookings’s Partnership for the Americas Commission, co-chairs Ernesto Zedillo and Thomas Pickering detail the need for stronger hemispheric relations and outline five areas for potential policy partnerships for the next administration.

China’s New Foray into Latin America

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

China is increasingly forming trade, investment, technology, security, and cultural ties with Latin American nations. David Shambaugh notes that while ties are expanding rapidly in many spheres, not all of this expansion is positive from the Latin American perspective.

Internal Displacement, Transitional Justice, and Peacebuilding: Lessons Learned

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is a close relationship between finding solutions for displaced persons and peacebuilding as peacebuilding involves: re-establishing security and law and order, reconstruction and economic rehabilitation, reconciliation and social rehabilitation, and political transition to creating more accountable governance structures and institutions. If IDP concerns in these areas are not taken seriously, it may jeopardize the sustainability of peace in the country.

Durable Solutions for IDPs in Protracted Situations: Three Case Studies

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return.

Latin America: Coming of Age

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Apart from the new pressures of the global financial crisis, the countries of Latin America are enjoying a period of economic growth, prosperity, and stable democracies. Yet these countries are also experiencing a great demographic change that will place more demand on their economies and governments. Leonardo Martinez-Diaz explains what these trends will mean for the region.

Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the course of the past year, over 400 natural disasters took 16,000 lives, affected close to 250 million people and displaced many millions. But many humanitarian actors continue to see natural disasters and those displaced by them as marginal to the central thrust of humanitarian action: responding to those affected by conflict.

Global Financial Crisis: Is Brazil a Bystander?

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the global financial crisis, President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has expressed confidence in the Brazilian economy to withstand a slowdown. Mauricio Cardenas discusses the fundamentals of the Brazilian economy and analyzes whether Brazil is likely to maintain its economic strength.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

Lessons from Another Crisis: Why Providing Debt Relief for Households is Not a Good Idea

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the financial crisis has widened, some analysts have asked the U.S. government to consider debt relief for American families who are struggling with mortgages they can no longer afford. Mauricio Cardenas explains how a previous crisis in Colombia offers lessons for the U.S. and argues that U.S. government debt relief is a bad idea.

Can Latin American Economies Deflect the Financial Crisis?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. financial crisis has profound implications for emerging markets given the integrated and global nature of today’s economy. Mauricio Cardenas, director of Brookings’s Latin America Initiative, examines the likely impact on Latin American economies and discusses how they might deflect some of the aftershocks from the U.S. economic crisis.

A Conversation on Colombia with President Alvaro Uribe Vélez

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 19, 2008, 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

On September 19, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a conversation with President Alvaro Uribe Vélez of Colombia. President Uribe discussed the U.S.-Colombia relationship, including economic and security challenges including his administration’s fight against the illegal drug trade and prospects for the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Listening to the Voices of the Displaced: Lessons Learned

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When those working with IDPs develop programs and policies without taking the time to listen to those most affected — the IDPs themselves — plans often go wrong. In order to ensure their needs not only are met but also that lasting solutions are found for their displacement, Roberta Cohen explains that it is critical to listen to the voices of IDPs.

The Odd Couple: The EU and Cuba 1996-2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Hare discusses what the European Union policy toward Cuba has achieved, lessons from this relationship, and what role foreign policy plays in a peaceful transition in Cuba.

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.

What to Expect from the Cuban-American Electorate

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Andy Gomez, Benjamin Bishin, Feryal Cherif and Daniel Stevens explore myths and facts about the Cuban-American electorate. The evidence presented by the writers indicates that Cuban-Americans do not hold homogenous beliefs and that the community as a whole is more liberal than conventional wisdom has led observers to think.

The Role of Education in Cuba's Future

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Andy Gomez demonstrates how the role of education in the future of Cuba will be one of the leading factors in transforming the psychological values and attitudes of the population in order to develop a civil society and eventually sustain a democratic state.

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.

Who Will Help Cuba Exploit its Offshore Oil Wealth?

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston discusses Cuba's plans to start drilling off the country's coast in order to access billions of barrels of crude oil. Huddleston says that United States companies should get involved and believes continuing to isolate the U.S. from Cuba in a competitive oil market will only hurt in the long run.

Spotlight on Mexico: Sustained Economic Growth and Development Through Good Governance

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 03, 2008, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

On June 3, the Transparency and Accountability Project convened two policy roundtables focused on ongoing efforts to improve competitiveness and facilitate access to information in Mexico. It was an opportunity for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss these issues and debate possible interventions that could be made at the domestic and international level to help catalyze these reforms.

Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes : Social Policy, Informality, and Economic Growth in Mexico

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

This book argues that incoherent social programs significantly contribute to Mexico's state of affairs and it suggests reforms to improve the situation.