New interview series
Global Americans and the Canadian Council for the Americas presents “Two gringos with questions,” an interview series dedicated to the Americas. Your hosts GA Executive Director Chris Sabatini and CCA’s President Kenneth Frankel, two gringos who focus on and work in Latin America and the Caribbean, will ask policymakers, business leaders and cultural movers and shakers about their views on the region and its future. The series provides informal and unexpected information on what’s going on in Latin America and in the Western Hemisphere as a whole. Click here to access the interviews.
New interview series
Global Americans and the Canadian Council for the Americas presents “Two gringos with questions,” an interview series dedicated to the Americas. Your hosts GA Executive Director Chris Sabatini and CCA’s President Kenneth Frankel, two gringos who focus on and work in Latin America and the Caribbean, will ask policymakers, business leaders and cultural movers and shakers about their views on the region and its future. The series provides informal and unexpected information on what’s going on in Latin America and in the Western Hemisphere as a whole. Click here to access the interviews.
Bolton’s Bay of Pigs Anniversary speech: Tough talk, election politics and failed policies
The Trump administration has doubled down on a failed policy on Cuba, while
talking tough on socialism. Unpopular and ineffective, Cuba policy prescriptions aside, the
venue, policies and rhetoric were focused more on the 2020 elections.
The Nicaragua crisis: Ortega digs in amidst a long-lasting stalemate
Reconstructing democracy and restoring social trust in Nicaragua is going to take significant time and effort. The current climate of political instability, economic crisis and international hostility make it impossible for Daniel Ortega to continue governing. So, what options are there?
On Trump’s Latin American team: Kirstjen Nielsen resigns as Homeland Security Secretary
Kevin McAleenan—the current commissioner of Customs and Border
Protection—is set to step in as acting replacement for Ms. Nielsen.
An interview with Ambassador John Feeley, former U.S. Ambassador to Panama
On our tenth episode, Christopher Sabatini and Ken Frankel talk to Ambassador John Feeley, former U.S. Ambassador to Panama, about Panama’s relationship with China, U.S. policy on Venezuela and his resignation from the Trump administration.
In Panama, corruption looms over May presidential elections
The corruption-plagued Varela (2014-2019) presidency will likely result in the election of Laurentino Cortizo and the return of the Revolutionary Democratic Party to the Palacio de las Garzas.
Waiting for Guaidó: This is about more than Venezuela; it’s about the future of the liberal international order
As the standoff continues without much sign of a plan B from the White House, the Maduro government is threatening to arrest President Juan Guaidó. It’s time for the other members of the 50-plus international coalition to put some muscle into the game.
In pulling U.S. aid to the Northern Triangle, the Trump administration opens a window for Beijing
The abrupt removal of U.S. funds will exacerbate a decline in positive perceptions of the United States and open up an opportunity for Sino-Latin American relations.
Brazil: Bolsonaro’s threat to the Amazon
In his first few weeks at the helm of Brazil, Bolsonaro has confirmed his intentions to drastically reduce preservation of the Amazon to boost economic activities, especially industrial agriculture.
Put your money where your mouth is: The Trump Administration in the Caribbean
The U.S. must recognize the role of China and Venezuela in the Caribbean and develop policies that compete with these rivals rather than simply telling the Caribbean to get in line with U.S. objectives.
Russia and Nicaragua: Progress in bilateral cooperation
Russian-Nicaraguan military cooperation through training and weapons sales started to deepen in early 2008. Now that relationship is in full swing after years of planning.
China’s engagement with Trinidad and Tobago
China has worked to deepen economic, investment and diplomatic ties with Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago is a focus of their interest. The U.S. should pay more attention.
Why cuts to affirmative action programs will undermine Brazil’s geopolitical ambitions
While eliminating affirmative action policies may play well with Bolsonaro’s supporters, it risks weakening the Brazilian economy and geopolitical standing, status the country has spent decades building.
An interview with Tatiana Clouthier, Mexican Congresswoman and former campaign manager for President AMLO
On our ninth episode, Victoria Gaytan and Ken Frankel talk to Tatiana Clouthier, Mexican Congresswoman, author of the recently released book “Juntos Hicimos Historia,” and former campaign manager for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during the 2018 federal elections.
The bear comes to the West: The Russian agenda in Latin America
Latin America needs to forge alliances in a complex, changing world, but betting on extra-continental autocracies will not bring greater social equity and respect for human rights to the Americas.
Maduro’s hidden censorship apparatus
Though often neglected in coverage of the political battle between Guaidó and Maduro, restrictions to digital freedoms have become an important means for Maduro to silence his critics.
Cúcuta’s Showbiz: Latin American politics as living theater
Rarely has the region seen such an undiluted diplomatic fiasco as what occurred on the Colombia-Venezuela border. But then, perhaps that was the point. Stagecraft has replaced statecraft.
Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe can give the Paris Agreement a major boost
The European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean have laid the groundwork to place the low-carbon and climate-resilient agenda at the heart of their relationships.
IN THE MEDIA
Entre China y Estados Unidos
Nada más incómodo que estar entre dos potencias que tienen problemas. Aunque Chile no debería buscar protagonismo en este tipo de conflicto, sí puede tomar una postura de socio serio, responsable y confiable con ambos países.
Chinese Surveillance Complex Advancing in Latin America
The installation of Chinese surveillance systems, acquired through PRC government donations or commercial contracts, is a growing phenomenon in Latin America and elsewhere.
El 11 de abril y los medios
El chavismo tiene su historia de cómo se produjo el golpe de Estado del 11 de abril de 2002 y la posterior restitución de Hugo Chávez en el poder
Oposición: Tormenta en un vaso de agua
La oposición tiene mucho que perder si opta por iniciar una guerra civil a partir de esta votación de los diputados PDC. Porque su única estrategia exitosa hasta ahora ha sido el bloqueo y la obstrucción a las iniciativas del gobierno, debiera evitar perder la única arma que hoy posee: su mayoría parlamentaria.