Topic: Brazilian Politics

Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico: three ways to nationalize oil

Argentina's renationalization of its biggest oil company, YPF, recently caused an outcry. But the cases of oil nationalization in Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela show that outcomes can vary widely.

Tax evasion: Is IRS tough? Try Brazil's 'Lion.'

Tax evasion is relentlessly sought out by Brazil's tax agents, known as 'The Lion.' Brazil is counting on the crackdown on tax evasion to fund ambitious government spending.

Prostitution scandal spreads: Marines pushed woman out of moving car

As Congress looks into allegations that military personnel and Secret Service members paid for prostitutes in Colombia, other charges involving three Marines in Brazil are coming to light.

Secret Service scandal sheds light on sex tourism in Latin America

Large events like the Summit of the Americas and upcoming Olympic games in Brazil can drive up the demand for prostitution and sex trafficking.

Sixth Summit of the Americas: 8 things to watch

Yes, the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena will debate drug policy and Cuba. Here are eight other topics to be discussed at the Summit.

Can Colombia's Santos unify the Americas?

Building consensus is important as the Americas struggle with high crime and violence. At this weekend's Summit of the Americas in Colombia, all eyes are on President Santos.

Which Latin American countries are the most socially inclusive?

Americas Quarterly created a new 'social inclusion index' to compare countries across the region and track their progress over time. Here are the three top countries, two poorest-ranking countries, and one whose ranking may come as a surprise.

Brazil's President Rousseff praises new study abroad program

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff spoke at Harvard University on the connection between country's rapid economic growth and education.

Ho hum: US and Brazil deepen ties, but pundits want big deals

Pundits don't care about detailed US-Brazil cooperation agreements, writes guest blogger Bosworth. They want big announcements on free trade deals and nuclear issues.

Brazil's President Rousseff meets with Obama: 5 topics for talks

As the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil and the US have a lot of shared interests, but there are still areas of contention. Here are 5 possible topics on today's presidential agenda:

Brazil neglecting culture in quest for power?

One of Brazil's greatest assets is its culture and people, and they'll be there no matter what happens to the economy or in international politics, writes guest blogger Rachel Glickhouse. 

Catholicism in Latin America: 5 key facts

Pope Benedict XVI began his second trip to Latin America on March 23, with stops in Mexico and Cuba. Here is a brief history of the Catholic church in the Americas.

The difference between Democrats and Republicans on Brazil

Engaging with Brazil is far more important to the hemisphere than Cuba or Venezuela, writes guest blogger James Bosworth. But US-Brazil relations have not been prioritized by Republicans.

Rio's Olympic land grab

From environmental hazards to highway expansion: Residents of Rio's Vila Autódromo slum have heard a slew of reasons why they must move off their land, as Olympic developers move in.

Five hotbeds of biodiversity

Here are five flora- and fauna-rich ecologies that Conservation International, a nonprofit organization in Arlington, Va., says are more than 70 percent intact.

Women's history month: 10 women making history today

March is known as Women's History month, meant to recognize the contributions and progress of women across history and around the world.  Women today are playing some significant roles, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis.  Here are 10 women who are making history, today.

Another 'Lula' on the rise in Venezuela?

A primary election in Venezuela today looks set to elevate Henrique Capriles Radonski, a politician who models himself after a former Brazilian president, as the main challenger to Hugo Chavez.

Follow the money: Brazilian president travels to Cuba and Haiti

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, who arrived in Cuba Monday, plans to meet with President Raul Castro today in a trip touted as a trade booster for both countries.

The man who would defeat Hugo Chávez

A young state governor, Henrique Capriles Radonski is the leading candidate to go up against Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez in elections.

Rio building collapse: Will Brazil be ready for the Olympics? (+video)

Three buildings in Rio de Janeiro collapsed late Wednesday. The latest in a string of construction woes, the accident is raising concerns about preparation for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Brazil cleans house: now what?

Brazil's President Rousseff has had a good year in cracking down on corruption. Will the momentum last?

What's Ahmadinejad getting out of his Latin America tour?

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Latin America trip, a whirlwind four-nation tour that began in Venezuela on Jan. 8, is now taking him to the inauguration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. The trip is his fifth visit to the region since 2007 and has prompted alarm in some corners of the United States that Iran is using the region as a staging ground to attack US interests.

However, many who study Iran’s relationship with Latin America, in particular Venezuela, say fear of an Iranian threat in the Americas is overblown, at least at this point. Here are four reasons why:  

Brazil uses soccer to bring down the murder rate

Brazil, home to the highest number of annual murders, is offering discounted World Cup tickets to Brazilians who turn in their guns.

Seven women who shaped the world in 2011

Women played some significant roles this past year, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis. Here are seven who shaped 2011:

Brazil takes on an centuries-old foe: corruption

Brazil is making strides in purging government corruption – a 500-year-old problem that persists today in Latin America because of cultural acceptance, inequality, and prevalent drug money.