Category: Latin America/Caribbean

Global struggle for democracy ‘lacking leadership’

     

The past twelve months registered the 14th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, according to Freedom in the World 2020, the latest survey of political rights and civil liberties… Read more »

The rapidly deteriorating quality of democracy in Latin America

     

While some of Latin America’s democracies, such as Uruguay and Costa Rica, are among the best in the world, others — for example, Brazil — have experienced democratic erosion in… Read more »

‘Eerie Endgame of Modern Politics’: Venezuela shows where illiberalism ends

     

  Venezuela’s regime is consolidating control, and prospects for a peaceful transition appear increasingly bleak, notes Eric Farnsworth, VP of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas. The support of Cuba, Russia,… Read more »

Bolivia in transition?

     

Defying Bolivia’s constitution and a binding referendum forbidding reelection, former President Evo Morales ran for a fourth consecutive term in October 2019. Documented fraud sparked nationwide protests that eventually led… Read more »

Latin America’s militaries: Back in the spotlight?

     

What does the resurgence of the armed forces in the political arena mean for democracy in Latin America? Americas Quarterly – the award-winning magazine produced by the nonprofit Americas Society/Council of the… Read more »

Mexico: criminal defamation threatens free expression

     

The conviction of a prominent Mexican journalist sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression, writes Enrique Bravo-Escobar, Ph.D., Senior Program Officer for Latin America & the Caribbean at the… Read more »

Why the push for democratic transition in Venezuela faltered

     

  The Trump administration’s bid to replace Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro hit a roadblock after a meeting with Russian officials in Rome last year—and has never recovered, according to The… Read more »

Venezuela’s endgame ‘closer than Maduro thinks’?

     

  Cuban security officials are a critical ingredient of Nicolas Maduro’s ability to retain power. So, as the Trump administration increases pressure on Venezuela’s pretender president, it must also do the same against… Read more »

What’s behind Latin America’s rebellion against the elites?

     

  The generational shift is profound and fundamental to understanding what is happening in Latin America (and around the world), argues Michael Shifter, the president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a… Read more »

Will democracy crisis empower Latin America’s military?

     

Can Latin America’s  elected civilian leaders regain the trust of their publics and deliver on the promises of democratic governance? Can militaries escape the pressures of stepping into power during… Read more »