Latin America
CELAC Summit Highlights Regional Divisions and Global Ambitions
Low attendance at CELAC’s latest summit exposed ongoing divisions and the lasting influence of the United States as the bloc looks to strengthen ties beyond the region.
International Force Deploys in Haiti as Gang Violence Crisis Reaches Critical Point
A US-backed security mission is beginning to deploy in Haiti amid cautious optimism from UN officials, but questions remain over whether foreign intervention can reverse years of state collapse and gang control.
UN Reports Persistent Human Rights Abuses in Venezuela Despite Leadership Change
Reports presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council on March 16 indicate that allegations of torture and arbitrary detention in Venezuela have continued despite the removal of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.
Colombia and Ecuador Tariff Escalation
Colombia is preparing to impose a 50 percent tariff on roughly 300 Ecuadorian goods in retaliation for Ecuador's matching increase, escalating a trade dispute that threatens more than $2 billion in bilateral commerce.
Michelle Bachelet Enters Race to Succeed Guterres as UN Secretary-General
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet enters the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general with backing from Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
Jair Bolsonaro Begins 27-Year Prison Sentence for Plotting Coup
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year sentence for orchestrating a failed coup attempt to block the transfer of power after the 2022 election. The ruling concludes a multiyear investigation into the plot, which prosecutors say involved plans to sabotage Brazil’s electoral system and assassinate now President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and now Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.
Peru Ends Diplomatic Relations With Mexico
Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico after its government granted asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing rebellion charges tied to Pedro Castillo’s 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress. The decision marks the most serious escalation in a relationship already strained by years of political friction
Peru Has a New President
Peru has now seen eight different faces for their presidency in the past ten years. On Oct.10, Congress voted to remove President Dina Boluarte amid allegations of illicit enrichment and public outrage over rising violent crime that left her approval ratings in the single digits.
Op-ed Beyond Sovereignty: Nicaragua’s Break with Global Institutions
Nicaragua has withdrawn from multiple international organizations amid allegations of human rights violations. Is this a stand for sovereignty or a move to evade accountability?
Noboa vs. González: Ecuador’s Runoff Hinges on Fragile Political Coalitions
NYU Stern alumnus Daniel Noboa and Luisa González are set for an April 13 runoff after Ecuador’s Feb. 9 first-round election, but shifting political alliances could reshape the race. As Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza emerges as a key power broker, a feud with Rafael Correa threatens to fracture the left, testing the durability of Correísmo and Noboa’s reelection bid.
UN International Mission Accuses Maduro’s Government of Crimes Against Humanity before, during, and after Venezuela’s 2024 Election
The 158-page report done by the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela revealed a pattern of coordinated human rights violations committed by Venezuelan security forces, government officials, and colectivos - armed, parapolice-like civilian groups loyal to Maduro.
Proposed Brazilian Constitutional Amendment Has the Potential to Violate Indigenous Property Rights
On Wednesday, hundreds of Indigenous people covered in body paint and holding animal images marched in Brazil's capital against the ‘Marco Temporal’ Doctrine.
Severe Drought Leads to Damming of the Indio River
The Panama Canal, a critical waterway for global trade, is experiencing a severe drought due to the El Nino phenomenon, costing Panama millions of dollars. This drought has led to a significant drop in water in the Gatun Lake; the water source that powers the canal lock system and a water source for residents in Panama City and Colon.
Mexico’s Former Public Security Chief Sentenced to 38 Years in US Prison
On Sunday, October 20th, Moldova held a referendum vote on joining the European Union (EU), alongside its planned presidential elections.
Mexico Swears in Its First Female President, Claudia Sheinbaum
The inauguration of North America’s first female head of state, Claudia Sheinbaum occurred this past Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Mexico City
Wildfires in the Amazon Threaten the Survival of Species and Human Lives
Wildfires in the Amazon are rapidly increasing as a result of climate change and illegal deforestation. Wildfire season in the Amazon used to span three months, from August to October; however, climate change, deforestation, and increased use of land for farming has dramatically increased the season to six months, leading to greater destruction of flora and fauna.
Gang Control in Haiti Rises as Other Countries Respond
Haiti is currently under a state of emergency as a result of its rampant gang violence—thousands are internally displaced, and millions are facing malnutrition. The violence is exacerbated by the damage of hurricanes and floods that have left millions without homes, causing a dramatic drop in GDP. Gang violence has seeped into all areas of the country, but most notably, the capital of Port-au-Prince. Despite its proximity to the United States, many Americans remain unaware of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Violence Surges in Sinaloa as US Denies Any Responsibility
Over the weekend 10 more people were reported killed as a result of cartel violence in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. This brings the death toll to over 50, with another 50 missing in the capital city of Culiacan.
Bolivia Faces Rising Tensions: Rival Protests Erupt as Morales Leads March to Capital
Thousands of Bolivians gather on the streets in support of former President Evo Morales, partaking in a 118 mile “March to Save Bolivia” from the village of Caracollo to the political capital of La Paz.
Haiti’s Path Under its Transitional Council
On April 25, Haiti’s transitional council officially took over, signaling the formalization of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation. The transitional government is set to govern until the next presidential election, expected by February 7, 2026.