Central America
Implications Intensify: Illegal Gold Mining in Brazil’s Amazon Region
A recent uptick in illegal gold mining in Brazil’s northern Amazon states is particularly concerning for private sector actors operating in the territory. It is also posing a serious challenge to the implementation of consistent and effective public policy to curtail such activities.
Nicaragua: Risks to Economic Recovery in 2021
Like most other countries, Nicaragua’s economy slowed in 2020 owing to the international effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicaragua was also affected by a rough hurricane season, sustaining damage particularly from Hurricanes Eta and Iota. Compounding these challenges, the country’s political environment remains an obstacle to encouraging foreign direct investment and improving the country’s socioeconomic situation. How is Nicaragua’s situation likely to change in 2021?
Mexico: Onset of Migration Crisis
US ‘outsourcing’ immigration enforcement to Mexico has led to massive numbers of migrants waiting at Mexico’s northern and southern borders.
The risks of American military involvement in Venezuela
The world got a glimpse of National Security Advisor John Bolton’s notepad at a White House briefing this week, and it said ‘5,000 troops to Colombia.’ Is this a viable strategy to help ensure stability in Venezuela? What are the risks of the US military becoming involved in another Latin American nation where memories are still rife with US interference? Will it cause conflict with Russia?
What to expect from López Obrador’s public consultations
Leftist Mexican President Elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who takes office in December, recently held a controversial public consultation to cancel Mexico City’s new multibillion-dollar airport. He is organizing another one over the building of a high-speed railway on the Yucatán Peninsula. Opponents accuse him of using consultations to bypass existing rules and institutions and have raised concerns that doing so could lead to a democratic deficit and generate uncertainty for investors over the medium term.
The outlook for Costa Rica’s electric vehicle revolution
Costa Rica has introduced tax incentives for the electrical vehicle industry, which is likely to experience exponential growth in the next two decades. Risks to investors nonetheless remain.
China’s strategic influence is growing in the Americas
At a time of reduced US influence, China’s economic and political ventures in Latin America will pay dividends.
Special Report: Latin America’s key elections
Latin America is undergoing powerful political changes that will pose challenges to stability in the region. A series of elections in key countries make 2018 a crucial year.
Spike in protests a symptom of deeper issues in Honduras
On 17 December, Honduras’ electoral tribunal declared incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernandez the winner of the presidential elections. Resulting allegations of electoral fraud and public protests are however signs of deepening political instability in Honduras, a country already affected by widespread corruption, crime and poverty.
