The Zika virus has raised the issue of abortion in Latin America, where a number of countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua and Chile restrict the right to terminate a pregnancy in all cases. Will Zika change the debate and policies on a woman’s right to choose in the Americas?
Two weeks ago, the Nicaraguan government kicked out three U.S. citizens under trumped up charges (soon, I fear, Trumped Up will become formal adjective to be capitalized). So, why has the State Department been so quiet about it?
The Nicaraguan government’s expulsion of U.S. citizens—linked loosely to the military—found fertile ground in the country’s popular opinion. Surveys by LAPOP demonstrate high levels of distrust in Nicaragua toward the U.S. military—especially among those who support Ortega.
The Three Amigos hit all the right notes in the summit in Ottawa, Canada this week—a fitting second act to the “bromantic” state visit of Prime Minister Trudeau to Washington in March. But Brexit and Trump cast a long shadow over Obama’s last NAFTA summit.
Whatever happens with the Brexit, it’s still worth considering some of its effects on the Western Hemisphere beyond the generalities. Among them: EU market access for Caribbean Commonwealth countries, trade deals for disaffected Mercosur members, and the Falklands/Malvinas.
It didn’t seem like much at first—the vote to approve the agenda at June 23 meeting of the OAS Permanent Council. But behind the scenes, Venezuela had been trying to head off a discussion over the state of its democracy. It lost, and with some interesting defections.
In addition to bringing in an all-white male cabinet, Brazilian interim president Michel Temer has made his priorities clear as he downgrades the importance of human rights and looks to end constitutional spending requirements on health and education.
After his prompt, unexpected and unceremonial removal from Nicaragua, while there to conduct research on the transoceanic canal, Evan Ellis reflects on the events and what they mean for Nicaraguan democracy and U.S.-Nicaraguan relations.
Michel Temer, Brazil’s interim president, had big plans for change in Brazil ever since the possibility of suspending Dilma Rousseff became tangible. But last week he saw his third minister resign, tainted with corruption allegations.
When measuring corruption, the differences between two studies highlight that international perceptions of corruption do not always line up with on-the-ground experiences. While many may focus on the scandal-making headlines and business climate, surveys reveal the petty corruption afflicting the daily lives of citizens. They’re not the same.
