Bolivia

The August 17 elections will set the trajectory for the country’s economy and political landscape.

Despite the hurdles, the MAS crisis and Morales’s waning popularity hint at a possible political shift, one that could strengthen Bolivia’s battered democracy, pave the way for judicial reform, and address urgent environmental issues.

La crisis que atraviesa Bolivia afecta a la estabilidad y la posición estratégica del país, situado literalmente en el corazón de Sudamérica. Este punto de inflexión también tiene implicaciones sobre el futuro acceso de los rivales extrahemisféricos de Washington, a saber, China, Rusia e Irán. Con crisis globales distantes y que se refuerzan mutuamente en otros lugares, los recursos y la atención de Washington son cada vez más escasos, pero Bolivia necesita al menos estar en su pantalla de radar.

A crise que está se desenrolando na Bolívia envolve a estabilidade e a postura estratégica do país, literalmente no coração da América do Sul. Esse ponto de inflexão também tem implicações sobre o futuro acesso dos rivais extra-hemisféricos de Washington, ou seja, China, Rússia e Irã. Com crises globais distantes e que se reforçam mutuamente em outros lugares, os recursos e a atenção de Washington são cada vez mais escassos, mas a Bolívia precisa pelo menos estar em sua tela de radar.

The unfolding crisis in Bolivia involves the stability and strategic posture of the country literally at the heart of South America. This turning point also has implications on the future access of Washington’s extra-hemispheric rivals, namely China, Russia, and Iran. With distant, mutually reinforcing global crises elsewhere, Washington’s resources and attention are in ever shorter supply, but Bolivia needs to at least be on its radar screen.

Why are these powerful men covering their mudslinging with staged events and awkward smiles? Because both are jockeying to run for president in 2025. And the longer their competition drags on, the greater the opportunity for MAS’ opposition on the right.