South America
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A pair of books by Charles Mann describe life in the Americas before and after Columbus linked the hemispheres and kicked off the first era of globalization. It turns out that the New World was far more technologically advanced than subsequent generations have realized, with plenty to teach the Old -- especially about how to simultaneously exploit and preserve key natural resources.
Essay,
May/June
2012
Until recently, there seemed plenty of reasons to be bullish on Brazil. Having posted record growth for a decade and weathered the financial crisis well, the country looked poised to become a global economic leader. But the would-be giant stands on feet of clay. The economy depends too much on high commodity prices, and as demand falls, so may Brazil.
Letter From,
April 17, 2012
The Sixth Summit of the Americas in Cartagena had an ambitious agenda, but Washington's inability to agree with the rest of Latin America on how to include Cuba left the high-level gathering largely a bust.
Snapshot,
March 27, 2012
The Colombian government and FARC have agreed to stage a cease-fire in their decades-long battle next week, during which FARC plans to release hostages that it has held since 1998. Washington and Bogotá should use the opportunity to restart talks and seek a negotiated end to the insurgency.
Comment,
Mar/Apr
2012
U.S. regionalists need a reminder that development doesn’t end politics and that contemporary Latin America has its own power dynamics. As the region enters a new era marked by increasing geopolitical autonomy and intraregional rivalries, it should be addressed with the mindset of international relations, not just comparative politics.
Snapshot,
January 26, 2012
This year, there will finally be a real contest for power in Caracas. With opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez having just announced that he is ending his presidential campaign and throwing his support to Henrique Capriles Radonski -- the charismatic governor whom many expect to be Chávez's main competition -- the opposition is gradually consolidating power and becoming a more serious challenge to the regime.
Snapshot,
October 28, 2011
Brazil's leaders expect a $12 billion iPad manufacturing deal to boost the country's technology sector. It may. But Brasilia should be turning out cheaper, low-end technology, which would be more profitable.
Letter From,
October 18, 2011
Bolivian President Evo Morales rose to power as a champion of indigenous rights and the environment. Now he has trampled both, undermined his authority, and thrown his future into question.
Letter From,
October 17, 2011
In the run up to this month's elections, criminal groups have funded campaigns, intimidated voters, and even placed some of their own on the ballots. Police might be able to contain the violence that surrounds these groups, but will not be able to prevent them from taking some political power.
Snapshot,
June 23, 2011
Ollanta Humala's surprise victory in Peru's recent presidential elections had less to do with his policies and more to do with mainstream candidates' inability to ally.
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