Latin America
Guantanamo creates problems for US-Cuba talks
The disputed territorial status of the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay will impede efforts to renew diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba. Yet, agreement over the territorial lease
Colombia may see rise of left-wing populism
Colombia could see the rise of a firebrand leftist leader, much like Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia. The country has all the fundamentals: a political spectrum leaning strongly to the right,
Pacific Alliance “Health Check” after CELAC summit
The Pacific Alliance economies will likely face slower growth in 2015, requiring the trade bloc to seek partnerships in India and East Asia as well as stronger relations with the
Failed coup diverts attention from Venezuela’s currency devaluation
An alleged coup attempt on the government of Venezuela and following protests has diverted attention from the most drastic economic decision taken by the Maduro administration—liberalizing the exchange rate regime. On
Argentina cries for openness and foreign investment
For the last three years, Argentina has banned access to currency exchange for individuals and companies based in the country. While this ban started as a way to discourage use
Brazilian Petrobras’ new face is old politics
Following the resignation of Petrobras CEO Maria das Graças Foster, the Brazilian government appointed state banker Aldemir Bendine to lead the troubled oil company. Investors are worried that the new chief
Will ‘Mano Dura’ crime policies persist in Central America?
In the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, which make up the Northern Triangle, ‘Mano Dura’ (Iron Fist) policies have led to harsh crackdowns on delinquency and
Recession ahead for Brazil?
With fiscal adjustment in progress, Brazil’s new Finance Minister announces a trimester of negative growth. However, adverse conditions in the international economy and a severe energy crisis raise concerns over
Could Venezuela be headed for reform or revolt?
Rapidly declining world oil prices, a lack of basic goods in supermarkets, insecurity, and a more united opposition look set to make 2015 the most difficult year yet for Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro
Petrobras scandal threatens to derail pre-salts deposit development
Petrobras looked like a model for transparency in the energy sector and, with a recent discovery of large offshore deposits, was poised to make Brazil a regional energy superpower. However, a corruption scandal
