![China reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, in December 2021.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chinese-Embassy-Managua-300x200.jpg)
Nicaragua’s Flip From Taiwan to China Has Yet to Pay Off
Engaging with Beijing was supposed to anchor the nation’s economy, but the decision has not lived up to expectations.
![Private dressmakers working in Old Havana, Cuba in May.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2155469994-300x194.jpg)
La Verdad Sobre el Sector Privado en Cuba
Contrario a ciertas especulaciones, en la isla existe un gran número de empresarios que operan fuera del ámbito del Estado, argumentan los autores.
![Private dressmakers working in Old Havana, Cuba in May.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2155469994-300x194.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AQPodcast_Sanchez_071124-300x199.jpg)
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?
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1690447347-300x198.jpg)
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.
![President José Raúl Mulino (L) waves next to National Assembly President Dana Castañeda at his inauguration in Panama City on July 1.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mulino-Inauguration-300x200.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AQPodcast_Youkee_052224-300x199.jpg)
AQ Podcast | Panama: New President, Global Challenges
Panama sits at the intersection of several big global challenges. In this episode, an overview of what’s ahead for the recently-elected José Raúl Mulino.
![Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader speaks to supporters after the first results of the general elections. After cruising to reelection, Abinader now has choices to make.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153270532-300x200.jpg)
He Cruised to Reelection. Now Luis Abinader Has Choices to Make
The Dominican Republic’s president will weigh options for broader reforms and try to maintain momentum during his second term in office.
![Haiti's new Transitional Presidential Council takes the reins of a new interim government to choose Haiti's prime minister and Cabinet and guide the country to elections in 2026.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Haiti-TPC-300x200.jpg)
Haiti’s Transition Council Is Off to a Rocky Start
Internal divisions have already created chaos, but the country’s new leadership still hopes to stabilize the security crisis.
![José Raúl Mulino, the protege of President Ricardo Martinelli, won Panama's presidential elections and will be the next president.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mulino-Victory-300x200.jpg)
REACTION: José Raúl Mulino Wins Panama’s Presidency
The former security minister and running mate of Ricardo Martinelli won with more than 34% of the vote. Analysts share what this means for Panama’s politics and economy.
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-1243408266-300x200.jpg)
The Caribbean’s Economic Future Depends on Building Climate Resilience
Uniquely vulnerable to extreme weather, island nations are seeking funding for projects to drive development while boosting resilience.
![Claudia Ortiz is one of the few political opponents of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Claudia-Ortiz-300x200.jpg)
The Lonely Life of El Salvador’s Opposition
Lawmaker Claudia Ortiz is leading the political dissent. Her recent campaign—and the ruling party’s attempts to defeat it—show what’s ahead for a backsliding democracy.
![Migrants travel through Tapachula in southern Mexico in Oct. 2023. The next administration in Mexico should work more closely with its neighbors to address migration.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MexicoNorthernTriangle-300x200.jpg)
Mexico Needs a New Strategy for the Northern Triangle
The next administration should work more closely with its neighbors to address migration.
![Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo speaks during a press conference in Guatemala City in April 2024. The center-left president has made small gains in his first 100 days in office, though slow progress is setting off alarm bells among supporters.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BAGuatemala-300x200.jpg)
Arévalo Wants to Change Guatemala. Some Say He’s Moving Too Slowly.
The center-left president has made small gains in his first 100 days in office, though slow progress is setting off alarm bells among supporters.
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AQPodcast_Braga_040824-300x199.jpg)
AQ Podcast: Warning Lights for Brazil’s Economy?
What to expect from Latin America’s largest economy in 2024