Latin America
The Dilemma of Oil Sanctions and Democratic Progress
The United States must consider its next steps, as the temporary license to ease restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sanction is set to expire on Thursday. The agreement's condition, which provides necessary breathing room for Venezuela's oil and gas sectors, would depend on President Nicolas Maduro making democratic progress by the upcoming election date of July 28.
Violence Against Political Candidates Threatens Mexican Democracy
In the lead-up to Mexico's largest election, a wave of violence against political candidates has cast a shadow over the country's democratic process. The targeting of candidates by organized crime groups seeking to influence the outcome of elections has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of those participating in it.
Latin American countries torn over warfare in the Middle East
In an interview on Dec. 6th with the IR Insider, Jorge G. Castañeda, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Mexico and Professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University, shared his insights on the different positions of Latin American countries on the Israel-Hamas War.
Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute Sparks Concern Across the Globe
The longstanding territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has escalated in recent weeks, drawing international attention and raising concerns over the potential for a broader conflict. At the heart of the matter is the oil-rich Esequibo region, spanning over 160,000 square kilometers, where significant oil and gas reserves have been discovered.
Arrest of Opposition Member in Venezuela Underscores Challenges to Freedom of Expression
On Nov. 22, Nelson Piñero, a prominent Venezuelan activist and a member of the opposition party Encuentro Ciudadano, was arrested within the confines of his own home. The charges levied against Piñero were centered around accusations of incitement of hatred.
Honduras Braces for Demographic Shift: Flacso Study Forecasts Generation Gap by 2035
Doctor Rolando Fonseca, director of the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales Honduras (FLASCO) recently published a paper on immigration trends in Honduras that suggested that the country will not have enough young people to replace the older generations by 2035.
Panama Protests Intensify Over Controversial Mining Contract
Amidst the ongoing protests against a controversial mining contract gripping Panama, demonstrators oppose the deal and advocate for alternative development paths. They beg the government to prioritize more sustainable industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, rather than investing in resource-intensive mining operations.
US State Department finds Russia Responsible for Disinformation Campaign in Latin America
On Nov. 7, a report from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced the discovery of a significant Russian disinformation apparatus operating in Latin America. The disinformation campaign is allegedly being conducted by The Social Design Agency (SDA), an informational entity that the European Union called “a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power.”
Peruvian Foreign Minister Quits Amid Controversy Over Failed Biden Meeting
On Nov. 6, 2023, Ana Cecilia Gervasi, Peru's Foreign Minister, resigned from her position after controversy about her lack of diligence. Apparently, Gervasi failed to secure a formal meeting with President Joe Biden during Peruvian President Dina Boularte's recent visit to the United States.
Countries Double Down on Support for Cuba as UN Votes to End the US Embargo
On Thursday, Nov. 2, a simple majority of member states in the United Nations voted to end the embargo on Cuba.
El Salvador's Political Turmoil: Bukele's Re-election Bid Amid Constitutional Controversy and Electoral Rule Shifts
On Oct. 26, incumbent Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele announced his controversial candidacy for next year's upcoming presidential election.
NYU Alumnus Daniel Noboa Wins Ecuadorian Presidential Election
On Oct. 15, Daniel Noboa emerged victorious in the 2023 Ecuadorian general election. At the age of 35, he is the youngest president in Ecuadorian history and the youngest leader in Latin America.
Latin American Nations Urge U.S. to Lift Venezuela and Cuba Sanctions Amid Persistent Migration Challenges
On Oct. 22, various Latin American leaders gathered in Palenque, Mexico, to discuss potential solutions for the ongoing regional migrant crisis.
U.S. Lifts Sanctions Against Venezuela In a Bid to Ensure 2024 Elections
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Biden administration announced the softening of its sanction on oil, gas, and gold exports from Venezuela. The deal came one day after Venezuela’s incumbent leadership met with its opposition and agreed to hold democratic presidential elections in 2024.
Mexico’s Abortion Legalization Marks the Latest Success in Latin America’s ‘Green Tide’
On Sept. 6, Mexico’s Supreme Court decided to decriminalize abortion nationwide. The nation is now the most populous one in Latin America to provide legal access to corresponding medicines and procedures.
Costa Rica Revokes Visa Exemption For Honduran Nationals
On Oct. 6, Costa Rica announced it would revoke its visa exemption for Honduran nationals. This policy shift incited a mixture of surprise and anger among Honduran officials and the public, and could potentially strain diplomatic relations in the region.
Brazilian Federal Police Raid Bolsonaro’s Home
Brazilian Federal police raided ex-President Jair Bolsonaro’s home as part of a probe on his vaccination records.
Chile Announces Plans to Nationalize Lithium
Chile, a major lithium producer, has recently announced plans to nationalize its lithium industry.
Cuba’s National Assembly Ratifies President Díaz-Canel’s Second Term
The Cuban National Assembly ratified President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s second five-year term in office.
Colombian and US Presidents Discuss Hemispheric Cooperation and Venezuelan Sanctions
President Biden met Colombian President Gustavo Petro to discuss regional cooperation on climate change, migrations, and energy policy.