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Sunday July 5, 2009

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Latin America

UPCOMING EVENT

Save to My PortfolioBrazil in the Global Crisis: Still a Rising Economic Superpower?

Monday, July 13, 2009
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Washington, DC

Brazil in the Global Crisis: Still a Rising Economic Superpower?On July 13, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion on the recently released book, Brazil as an Economic Superpower? Understanding Brazil’s Changing Role in the Global Economy (Brookings Institution Press, 2009), edited by Brookings Political Economy Fellow Leonardo Martinez-Diaz and Lael Brainard, former vice president and director of Global Economy and Development at Brookings. Read More

Brazil, Global Economics, Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, BRICs

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioCrisis in Honduras

Kevin Casas-Zamora, June 29, 2009, The Brookings Institution

Crisis in HondurasThe June 28 military ousting of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya capped weeks of tension brought about by his attempt to amend the constitution to enable reelection. Kevin Casas-Zamora says this coup is a step backward for democracy in Latin America and he urges the United States to both pay close attention to the situation and to show friends and foes in the hemisphere that Washington sides with democracy. Read More

Latin America, Central America, Politics, Democracy Promotion, Foreign Policy

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioFour Reflections on the Political Consequences of the Economic Crisis in Latin America

Kevin Casas-Zamora, June 25, 2009, Center for Hemispheric Policy at the University of Miami

Four Reflections on the Political Consequences of the Economic Crisis in Latin AmericaKevin Casas-Zamora analyzes what is known and unknown about the global financial crisis and its effects on Latin America. Casas-Zamora explores four main issues regarding the political ramifications of the crisis and offers suggestions on how governments in the region should respond. Read More

Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, Global Finance

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioLatin America and the Economic Crisis: Designing and Implementing Stimulus Policies

Mauricio Cárdenas, June 25, 2009, The Brooking Institution

Mauricio Cárdenas critiques the conventional wisdom that economic contractions are a thing of the past in Latin America and a growing belief the region will soon be out of the recession. He concludes that any recovery will be slow and there may be periods of sharp adjustment during the process. Read More

Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, Global Finance

PAST EVENT

Save to My PortfolioLatin America and the Economic Crisis: An Address by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Washington, DC

Latin America and the Economic Crisis: An Address by Chilean President Michelle BacheletOn June 23, the Brookings Institution hosted Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, president of the Republic of Chile, for a discussion of the Latin American countries and the economic measures they are taking to cope with the global financial crisis. Read More

Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, Global Finance

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioCrossroads on Cuba: Will Democracy or Sovereignty Prevail?

Ted Piccone, June 02, 2009, The Brookings Institution

Crossroads on Cuba: Will Democracy or Sovereignty Prevail?Ted Piccone writes that the future of the Organization of American States (OAS) depends on how it manages the readmission of Cuba to the regional organization. Piccone urges member states not to depart from the organization’s core democratic and human rights principles. Read More

Cuba, Latin America, Democracy Promotion, International Organizations, Human Rights

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioThe Merida Initiative and Central America: The Challenges of Containing Public Insecurity and Criminal Violence

Diana Villiers Negroponte, May 2009, The Brookings Institution

The Merida Initiative and Central America: The Challenges of Containing Public Insecurity and Criminal ViolenceThe rising level of violence in Central America, as well as Mexico, has created sensational headlines and Hollywood style footage on the nightly news. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for the growth in public insecurity and crime within El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to determine an appropriate response. Read More

Latin America, Crime, Central America, Foreign Policy

PAST EVENT

Save to My PortfolioThe Merida Initiative and Central America

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC

The Merida Initiative and Central AmericaOn May 26, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Washington Office for Latin America hosted a discussion on the Central American component of the Merida Initiative, a 3-year program that provides funding for a wide-range of drug interdiction, prevention and intervention activities throughout Mexico, Central America and select Caribbean countries. Read More

Central America, Latin America, Crime, Mexico

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioA Comparative Study of FARC and Paramilitary Groups in Colombia

Bilal Y. Saab and Alexandra W. Taylor, June 2009, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism

Bilal Saab and Alexandra Taylor analyze how terrorist groups and armed insurgents in Colombia regularly exploit illicit markets to launder money, traffic illegal goods, and purchase arms. The authors find that group goals, the political environment, and membership strongly influence the types of criminal activities a given armed group undertakes. They conclude that membership and political agenda of sub-state armed groups not only distinguishes them from criminal groups, but also shapes their criminal behavior. Read More

Colombia, Crime, Latin America, South America, Terrorism

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My Portfolio'Guatemalastan': How to Prevent a Failed State in our Midst

Kevin Casas-Zamora, May 22, 2009, The Brookings Institution

Kevin Casas-Zamora argues that the weakness of Guatemala as a state, the pervasive violence, the widespread corruption and the country’s strategic location for drug trafficking are creating a very dangerous cocktail. He believes reform is necessary but also notes it will be quite difficult. Read More

Latin America, Central America, Corruption

PAST EVENT

Save to My PortfolioThe IMF’s Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean

Thursday, May 21, 2009
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Washington, DC

Spillovers from a global crisis that began in advanced economies pose a severe test to Latin America and the Caribbean region. On May 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted Nicolás Eyzaguirre, director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, and Steve Phillips, also of the IMF, as they presented this year’s Regional Economic Outlook: Western Hemisphere report. Read More

Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, Global Economics, Economic Development, International Monetary Fund

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioObama off to Good Start in Latin America

Abraham F. Lowenthal, May 04, 2009, The Miami Herald

Abe Lowenthal writes that among the important accomplishments by President Obama in his first 100 days has been a major step forward in U.S. relations with our neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lowenthal outlines policies the United States should pursue in the Americas and reminds the administration to keep it simple in the region. Read More

Latin America, Central America, South America, Foreign Policy, Cuba

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioPanama at the Polls: A Study in Political Weakness

Kevin Casas-Zamora, April 28, 2009, The Brookings Institution

On May 3, Panama will elect a new president. Kevin Casas-Zamora explores the campaigns of the incumbent and challenger and examines why Panama can be viewed as one of the better functioning and most stable polities in Latin America. Read More

Latin America, Central America, Elections, Politics, Polling and Public Opinion

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioObama at the Summit of the Americas

Kevin Casas-Zamora, April 24, 2009, The Brookings Institution

All things considered, the Summit was a success for the President and for the U.S. writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. He concludes that despite the dearth of immediate results, the mutation in tone under Obama will lead in due course to concrete changes in the U.S. relationship with the region. Read More

Latin America, Summit of the Americas, Foreign Policy, International Relations, Diplomacy

PAST EVENT

Save to My PortfolioLatin America's Challenges Beyond the Global Crisis

Friday, April 24, 2009
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC

ReutersOn April 24, the Brookings Institution and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) hosted a discussion on the present and future impact of the financial crisis on Latin America. Read More

Latin America, Global Financial Crisis, Global Economics, Global Finance, Sustainable Development

Featured Experts

Mauricio Cárdenas

Mauricio Cárdenas

Director, Latin America Initiative

Mauricio Cárdenas is a senior fellow and director of the Latin American Initiative. Formerly minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and director of National Planning of Colombia, his research focuses on international and development economics. He is also the president of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association (LACEA).
Read More

Leonardo Martinez-Diaz

Leonardo Martinez-Diaz

Political Economy Fellow, Global Economy and Development

An international political economy fellow, Leonardo Martinez-Diaz focuses on the emerging economies, and the role of banking and finance and global governance. He is Deputy Director for the Partnership for the Americas Commission. Martinez-Diaz is currently on leave from Brookings.
Read More

Ted Piccone

Ted Piccone

Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Foreign Policy

Ted Piccone is a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for Foreign Policy at Brookings. Piccone specializes in U.S.-Latin American relations; global democracy and human rights; and multilateral affairs. Piccone serves as an advisor to the Club of Madrid and has served on the National Security Council, at the State Department and Pentagon.
Read More

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Q&A with Mauricio Cárdenas

Rethinking U.S.-Latin America Relations

Latin America Initiative Director Mauricio Cárdenas says the Partnership for the Americas Commission's new report offers important recommendations and insights for the president-elect.

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Spotlight

TopicEducation

The economic and political well-being of any democracy requires a well-educated citizenry. Brookings’s work has extended beyond the K-12 bookends to include pre-school interventions and issues in higher education. Experts are tackling fundamental issues on the role of education in the national and global economy.

Research Project21st Century Defense Initiative

The 21st Century Defense Initiative produces cutting-edge research, analysis, and outreach that address some of the most critical issues facing leaders shaping defense policy in the coming century. The initiative focuses on three core issues: the future of war, the future of U.S. defense needs and priorities, and the future of the U.S. defense system

Research ProjectBudgeting for National Priorities

The Budgeting for National Priorities project promotes greater fiscal responsibility by developing new ideas, educating the public and finding common ground among experts and policy-makers.

TopicHealth Care

Brookings is committed to producing innovative policy solutions to our nation’s most difficult challenges. The country may face no more important domestic policy challenge than the much-needed reform of our health care system. Through an institution-wide effort, Brookings delivers new ideas and offers policy solutions to improve health care both at home and globally.

TopicMigration

Migration is an issue that bridges Brookings’s expertise in domestic and foreign policy. In the United States, reforming immigration policy remains a subject of intense political debate. Globally, the unprecedented movement of people across borders raises issues in both industrialized countries and the developing world.

ProgramMetropolitan Policy Program

Redefining the challenges facing metropolitan America and promoting innovative solutions to help communities grow in more inclusive, competitive and sustainable ways.

ExpertMartin Neil Baily

Martin Baily, a former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, focuses on issues of globalization, productivity and competitiveness, Social Security reform and U.S. economic policy.

ExpertSarah A. Binder

Sarah Binder is an expert on Congress and legislative politics.  She is completing a project on the politics of advice and consent, and is at work on the politics of how Congress responds to financial crises.

ExpertRobert Puentes

Robert Puentes focuses on the broad array of policies and issues related to metropolitan growth and development. He is an expert on transportation and infrastructure, urban planning, growth management, suburban issues and housing.

Policy CenterCenter on Children and Families

The Center on Children and Families studies policies on the well-being of America's children and their parents and seeks a more effective means of addressing poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity in the United States.

Policy CenterJohn L. Thornton China Center

The John L. Thornton China Center develops analysis and policy recommendations to help address key long-term challenges, both in terms of U.S.-China relations and China's internal development.

Research ProjectAfrica Growth Initiative

The Africa Growth Initiative conducts high-quality policy research and analysis focused on attaining sustainable economic development and prosperity in Africa, while amplifying the voice of African researchers in policy-making and planning.

Policy CenterCenter on the United States and Europe

The Center on the U.S. and Europe is dedicated to the study of Europe and U.S.-Europe relations. It involves American and European experts in an active program of research, analysis, and debate.

ExpertEswar Prasad

Eswar Prasad, who holds the New Century Chair in International Economics, is a senior fellow in Global Economy and Development. He is the Tolani Senior Professor of Trade Policy at Cornell University and was previously head of the Financial Studies Division and the China Division at the IMF.

ExpertVanda Felbab-Brown

Vanda Felbab-Brown focuses on the national security implications of illicit economies and strategies for managing them. She is a security studies professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

ProgramGovernance Studies

Governance Studies explores political institutions of the United States and other democracies to assess how they govern, how their practices compare and how citizens and public servants can advance sound governance.