The ambition and capability of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to affect the political affairs of nations across Latin America and the Caribbean have only grown during the global pandemic. Recent events in Guyana and Paraguay show that COVID-19 vaccines have influenced governments, either directly or indirectly, toward Beijing’s political preferences.
The pandemic has turned the government into a crucial actor of economic recovery, in reckoning with its post-pandemic outlook, Paraguay is building a case for state reform.
After almost a quarter of a century of negotiations, a trade agreement between Mercosur and the EU could be signed soon. But the electoral uncertainty in South America as well as the protectionist tensions that emerged after Brexit could present risks for the agreement’s ratification.
Mercosur must modernize to adapt to a new international geopolitical reality, but there’s no clear path forward. If it can’t reform, Mercosur risks joining the long list of failed dreams of regional integration.
The reports examine five specific areas—transnational security challenges, institutional capacity, economic growth, demographics, and technology—and how they will shape politics, economic and U.S. relations in South America by 2030.
Washington needs to be patient with the Abdo Benitez government, recognizing the delicate political space in which he is operating, yet engaging to help him move in a positive direction.
As with other natural resources, the source of Latin America’s soy profits—the technological advances contained in the seeds—remains out of reach.
Earlier this month, hundreds of people marched in Asuncion, demanding the resignation of Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes and denouncing widespread government corruption. In an email interview,
The landlocked, Southern Cone country is experiencing the same, if not worse, corruption scandals, social protests, approaching economic stagnation, and rising levels of violence widely reported on as just about every country of Latin America and the Caribbean. So why isn’t anyone paying attention?
