Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

Cuba

Private dressmakers working in Old Havana, Cuba in May.
The Truth About Cuba’s Private Sector

Contrary to some speculation, the island continues to see a large number of entrepreneurs operating outside the umbrella of the state, the authors write.

Podcast

AQ Podcast | The Bukele Model: Why It’s Hard to Replicate 

In a region plagued by crime, some politicians are eager to replicate El Salvador’s gang crackdown. Can the model spread?

Venezuela

Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at a campaign rally in Caracas on July 4. A unified opposition has a real chance to restore democracy on July 28. The U.S. should do everything possible to support the transition.
In Venezuela, Is This Time Different?

A unified opposition has a real chance to restore democracy on July 28. The U.S. should do everything possible to support the transition.

Latin America

Latin America’s Security Crisis Is a Political Problem, Too

Crime and politics are becoming more entangled, undermining the region’s stability, an expert writes.

Artificial Intelligence

Why AI May Be Better for Latin America Than You Think

A new IMF report adds to a sense Latin America may lose less from the AI revolution than previously thought—though its preparedness is lacking.

Latin America

In Latin America, the U.S. Is Relying Too Much on its Military

SouthCom has become the most visible bridge for political engagement in the region. That’s a mistake, the authors write.

Haiti

Despite a Grim Today, Prosperity Is Still Possible in Haiti

After years of dire events, a new transition offers a window to lay plans for societal success.

Brazil

Understanding the Storm in Brazilian Markets

Worries over Brazil’s fiscal deficit and monetary policy have battered the country’s currency in 2024.

Panama

President José Raúl Mulino (L) waves next to National Assembly President Dana Castañeda at his inauguration in Panama City on July 1.
Panama’s New President Signals an Ambitious Agenda

José Raúl Mulino promises to close the Darién Gap to migration while pushing a major dam to shore up the Panama Canal.

Mexico

Soldiers help villagers at an emergency shelter on June 11 after violent conflict in southern Mexico.
For Sheinbaum, a Security Challenge in AMLO’s Home State

Southern states like Tabasco are enduring increased criminal activity. How will Mexico’s next government tackle the pervasive presence of drug cartels?

Bolivia

Former army commander Juan José Zúñiga is detained in La Paz on June 26.
REACTION: Bolivia’s Failed Coup Attempt and What It Means

The army’s commander, Juan José Zúñiga, tried to seize power before backing down.

Podcast

AQ Podcast | Brazil: A Tough Moment for Lula 3

Brazil’s Lula is dealing with a selloff in financial markets and an increasingly hostile Congress. How has Brazilian politics changed since his first term in office two decades ago?

Latin America

Progress on Reducing Latin America’s Femicides Has Stalled. Women in Mexico protest against gender-based violence during International Women's Day on March 8.
Progress on Reducing Latin America’s Femicides Has Stalled

Much can be done to prevent more murders, but only if decision-makers and society as whole are more proactive in tackling this pressing problem.

Chile

Chilean President Gabriel Boric delivers a state of the nation address on June 1. Untangling Chile’s Pension Reform: The government wants to overhaul the pension system, but a gradual modernization would be a more effective path.
Untangling Chile’s Pension Reform

The government wants to overhaul the pension system, but a gradual modernization would be a more effective path.

Latin America

View from the hills outside Concepción, Chile, where Aclara plans to extract rare earths. Rare Earth Elements Are Trending. Will They Drive Latin America’s Next Mining Boom?
Rare Earth Elements Are Trending. Will They Drive Latin America’s Next Mining Boom?

The region has the ideal mix of these vital inputs for green technology—but low prices and permitting lags stand in the way.

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