Spain elections: As the right splinters, regionalists and the center-left gain
Despite gains by the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez will still have to govern from one of the weakest positions in Spain’s recent democratic history. Few would envy his daunting charge of navigating the contradictory challenges of growing nationalism and regionalism in the years to come.
The 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index: A frustrating lack of progress in the Americas
While Argentina and smaller countries from around the region have successfully improved perceived levels of corruption, many regional heavy hitters have slipped severely or remain among the world’s most corrupt governments.
How the American public feels about the wall, the shutdown, and hot-button immigration issues
Public opinion continues to trend toward placing the blame for the shutdown on President Trump and against the wall. Has the president backed himself into an unpopular political corner?
In a historic landslide, Democrats flipped a net of 40 House seats. Here’s how they performed in swing districts with large Hispanic populations
Now that slow-to-count California races have been called, it’s clear that Democrat’s performance in heavily Hispanic districts is one of the biggest stories of the 2018 midterms. Those districts accounted for 32.5 percent of total Democratic gains.
Cutting aid to the Northern Triangle will only create the conditions for more migrants
Cutting aid to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador would be counter-productive to U.S. interests, but maybe that’s what President Trump wants.
The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution on Venezuela. Here’s why that’s noteworthy
Though it’s unlikely to change anything, this is the first time the body has passed a resolution on Venezuela. There was also one shocking yes vote.
Just the Facts: Confidence in institutions and support for democracy are in decline in the region
Reflecting a difficult couple of years for the Americas, the biennial LAPOP survey shows declining support for democracy and growing concern over corruption. But it isn’t all bad news.
Can India compete with China in Latin America? Not likely
While the nature of the trade relationship between Latin America and India is similar to the Sino-Latin America relationship in its reliance on raw materials, hype over India as a potential alternative to China for the region is largely unfounded.
Lies & Distortions: Reflections after two weeks monitoring Russian and Chinese reporting in the region
Russian-owned outlets have been the chief offenders. The vast majority of misinformation is about Venezuela and U.S.-Latin America relations.
Highlights from the confirmation hearing of Kimberly Breier for Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
We watched the confirmation hearings for the top diplomatic post in the Americas so you don’t have to. Among the highlights are exchanges on TPS, strengthening the OAS, and the crisis in Nicaragua.