PAST EVENT
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Washington, DC
On November 17, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion of its biannual Brookings Latin America Economic Perspectives report. The report analyzed the economic resilience of Latin American countries while attempting to understand the obstacles which are hindering the development of a regional agenda. Leading international experts discussed the findings of the report, analyzed the region’s economic performance and set forth recommendations for governments and policymakers. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Abraham F. Lowenthal, November 01, 2011, The Brookings Institution
Abraham Lowenthal assesses the structural, historical and institutional differences among Latin American and Caribbean countries, and outlines the impact these differences should have on international relations and domestic policies.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Washington, DC
After significant improvements in Colombian security over the past decade, President Juan Manuel Santos has increased focus on social progress, unveiling a series of social and economic changes addressing issues from poverty reduction to land reform, while still continuing the fight against urban crime, the leftist guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the criminal networks that have emerged after the demobilization of the paramilitaries. On October 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion on the upcoming municipal elections in Colombia and the current achievements and challenges ahead for the Santos administration. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mauricio Cárdenas and Joshua Meltzer, July 2011, The Brookings Institution
A trio of trade agreements that have now passed Congress would benefit the United States both economically and strategically, write Mauricio Cárdenas and Joshua Meltzer. According to the authors, carefully developed accords with South Korea, Colombia and Panama will boost U.S. exports significantly, especially in the key automotive, agricultural and commercial services sectors. Read More
PAST EVENT
Friday, April 15, 2011
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Washington, DC
In the wake of the most severe financial crisis in recent times, Latin America is witnessing unprecedented economic challenges and opportunities that are shaping the region’s growth and development prospects. On April 15, the Latin America Initiative hosted the launch of its biannual Latin America Economic Perspectives report, which examines the scope and effectiveness of the policies and strategies that countries in the region are implementing—or should implement—to address the challenges of today’s global economy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vanda Felbab-Brown, March 31, 2011, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Global Narcotics Affairs
In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 31, 2011, Vanda Felbab-Brown discusses the impact of the drug trade and counternarcotics policies in the Western Hemisphere on citizens’ security and U.S. national security goals. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mauricio Cárdenas and Isabella Alcañiz, March 21, 2011, The Brookings Institution
The tragic events unfolding in Japan have undoubtedly interrupted the Chilean government’s ambitions of producing nuclear energy, a plan that has gained much consideration in recent months. Although Chilean president Sebastián Piñera seems to be keeping the nuclear option open, vulnerability to a nuclear crisis similar to Japan’s is a major concern. Isabella Alcañiz and Mauricio Cárdenas examine the concerns and potential risks for Chile. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mauricio Cárdenas, March 17, 2011, Foreign Policy
With revolutions causing political upheaval in the Middle East, an unprecedented natural disaster devastating Japan, and his own government facing unending dilemmas, President Obama’s five-day tour of Latin America may seem like poor timing. However, Mauricio Cárdenas says Obama’s trip south is not only long overdue, but important for long-term U.S. interests.
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RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mauricio Cárdenas, February 09, 2011, The Brookings Institution
As political upheaval rages on in Egypt and the Middle East, its influence on the fight for democracy around the world is spreading. Mauricio Cárdenas examines the tense situation in Latin America as President Hugo Chávez prepares for Venezuela’s presidential elections in December 2012 amid an economic recession and growing opposition among Venezuelans. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Carlos Pereira, February 08, 2011, The Brookings Institution
Carlos Pereira discusses newly elected Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's first governing coalition, offering comparisons to past leaders and recommendations for moving forward. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mauricio Cárdenas, December 23, 2010, The Brookings Institution
Last week, the Obama administration decided not send the Colombia Free Trade Agreement to Congress for a vote before the holiday recess. Mauricio Cárdenas argues how this decision represents a lost opportunity for the Obama administration to boost U.S. exports, reduce unemployment and improve relations with a key South American ally. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Kevin Casas-Zamora, November 23, 2010, University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Policy
According to recent studies military expenses in South America reached nearly $52 billion in 2009, more than twice the 1990 figure. Kevin Casas-Zamora analyzes recent military spending trends in countries across the continent. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Carlos Pereira, September 28, 2010, The Brookings Institution
Brazil will hold presidential elections on October 3 and onlookers are curious to see who will win and what that means Brazil's politics and economy. Carlos Pereira examines these issues and argues that, regardless of the election results, the new president is unlikely to make any fundamental changes to Brazil's policy imperatives of macroeconomic stability and strong social policies, which have put Brazil on the road to sound economic growth and good governance. Read More