World Americas Latin America Monitor
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Ecuador's elections: Who are the contenders?
Ecuador heads to the polls on Sunday to pick a new president. The incumbent, President Rafael Correa, will not be running again – at least not this time.
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Is there a credible Islamist threat in Latin America?
Some observers and policymakers suggest there is, but a cold look at the facts suggests fears may be overblown. Whatever the case, a nuanced approach to diplomacy will be required to build partnerships capable of thwarting any terrorist ambitions.
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Brazil's prison violence may be short-lived, but the system is flawed
Brazil's prisons are regulated as much by gangs as by guards, and the recent wave of murders will likely subside as the latest dispute between rival groups dies down.
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Why has Venezuela's opposition struggled to spark change?
At the beginning of 2016, there seemed such promise for opposition politicians in Venezuela, but little was achieved. Can 2017 be different?
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What Mexico wants to talk about with Trump
If recent rhetoric is anything to go by, change is afoot in the relationship between Mexico and the United States. But when they do sit down, what issues will Mexico want to discuss?
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Guatemala is prevailing in fight against violence
Since 2009, the country has seen a consistent decline in its homicide rate. While work remains to be done, the success so far should not be overlooked.
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Brazil's struggle against corruption
Graft in Brazilian politics is losing its aura of impunity, particularly in light of the far-reaching Car Wash investigation. Can momentum be maintained?
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Latin America leads the way in clean energy
One of the most vulnerable regions when it comes to the effects of climate change, Latin America is increasingly leading global efforts to transition to renewable energy sources.
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Is Latin America's 'pink tide' turning?
The demise of Latin America's 'pink tide' of socialism has been much discussed in recent years. But there is no seismic shift back to the days of right-wing dominance; the truth is more nuanced.
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Colombia opens ELN negotiations, another step toward lasting peace
Colombia's 50-year conflict has been far more complex than a struggle between government forces and the FARC. By opening peace talks with the second-largest rebel group, the country takes a step closer to lasting peace.
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Is Trump resurrecting the Monroe Doctrine?
John Kerry, secretary of State under Barack Obama, declared the Monroe Doctrine to be over. It seems already to be experiencing a resurgence under President Trump.
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How to handle Hezbollah in Latin America
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has established a criminal and financial network across the region, and while the US has taken steps to disrupt these resources in the past, more needs to be done.
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Why continued US support is crucial for Colombia's peace process
Substantive progress is already being made in implementing the accords, but if the United States dials back its assistance, that trend could diminish, even reverse. It is in the interests of both countries not to let that happen.
Photos of the Week Photos of the week 10/16
Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital, cleans 'Irma' with a toothbrush on Oct. 11 in Marathon, Fla. Irma, a baby loggerhead sea turtle, was found on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway on Sept. 11, the day after hurricane Irma hit. Ms. Zirkelbach hopes that Irma can be released with other hatchling...
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With new UN chief, what hopes does Latin America harbor?
Many issues of concern need to be addressed by the United Nations – not least how to give the region greater representation in the roster of secretaries-general.
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Indigenous women in politics: a complex proposition
Changes to Mexican law have sought to promote participation of indigenous women in politics – but they have stirred opposition, not least from the very people they seek to help.
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How will Cuba react if relations with the US reverse under Trump?
It's hard to know what direction US-Cuba relations will take once Donald Trump is in the White House, but Cubans are already contemplating the consequences of a reversal of President Obama's normalization process.
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Will an incipient wave of elections change the face of Latin America?
Over the coming 24 months, a host of Latin American nations are slated to elect their leaders. The outcome of many of these races is far from certain.
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Why the US-Cuba thaw should continue
In the two years since a restoration of diplomatic ties was first announced, great strides have been made in normalizing relations. That trajectory benefits – and is supported by – a wide array of people.
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Latin America's deepening relationship with China speaks of a new world order
With the United States likely to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and China looking to step into the breach, Latin America's changing relations with world powers could reflect a broader shift.
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Did Paraguay blaze a trail in racial equality nearly two centuries ago?
In 1814, Paraguay's soon-to-be dictator introduced a law forbidding reproduction among the white elite. Whatever his motives, it produced an "exceptionally egalitarian" society.
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Give dialogue a chance in Venezuela
The opposition sat down with President Nicolás Maduro in Vatican-led talks, leading to much criticism from observers. But there is a chance the move could lead to a peaceful resolution.
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Colombia's new peace deal: Will it work?
Colombia's revised peace accord glided through Congress on Nov. 30, nearly two months after the initial version was rejected in a plebiscite. How important are the changes, and what chance of success?
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Where next for Brazil's embattled president?
Having assumed the presidency in May following the impeachment of his predecessor, Michel Temer has made some inroads into his reform agenda, but the political storm assailing his government poses a growing threat.
