Scott B. MacDonald, Author at Global Americans

Governance and electoral continuity and change in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has long enjoyed a reputation for being one of the most democratic regions in the world. Despite the Caribbean’s seeming confidence in the ballot, however, countries in the region nevertheless face considerable challenges in keeping their democracies alive. Elections alone do not make a democracy; rather, there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration in order to ensure good governance.

Scott B. MacDonald August 5, 2021

Congested Ports, Economic Problems and Challenged Supply Chains

Scott B. MacDonald June 28, 2021

China Has No Intention of Walking Away from Its Claims on Taiwan

Scott B. MacDonald May 21, 2021

A Global Americans Interview with Gastón Schulmeister, Director of the Organization of American States Department against Transnational Organized Crime (DTOC)

A Global Americans interview with Gastón Schulmeister, the Director of the Department against Transnational Organized Crime (DTOC) at the Organization of American States (OAS).

Scott B. MacDonald May 20, 2021

Has anything changed since French Guiana’s 2017 social upheaval?

Four years since social unrest gripped French Guiana, the territory has seen marginal improvements; nevertheless, many of the structural problems of the French département persist.

Scott B. MacDonald April 20, 2021

Suriname’s corruption and money laundering challenges

Earlier this month, the findings of Suriname’s National Risk Assessment on anti-money laundering and corruption were released. While the country has made progress, it faces a continued struggle to reshape a history and culture of deep institutional corruption.

Scott B. MacDonald March 24, 2021

U.S.-Cuban rapprochement?

2021 could yet prove to be a pivotal year in U.S.-Cuban relations, but much will rest on how domestic politics in both countries play out under their respective leadership.

Scott B. MacDonald February 5, 2021

A Global Americans Review of The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times

DePalma focuses on a narrow slice of Havana and a number of its families, creating an excellent read about the lives of “ordinary” citizens.

Scott B. MacDonald February 1, 2021

A Global Americans Review of American Foreign Policy in the English-Speaking Caribbean

Chaitram’s book is strongly recommended for readers looking for a general entry point on foreign policy in the Caribbean.

Scott B. MacDonald December 11, 2020

Cuba’s sagging economy, regime change, and U.S. policy

Cuba has entered the 2020s much in the same fashion as it did in the 1990s; the world is a more uncertain place, its main economic backer is riven by a major economic collapse, and its relations with its northern neighbor are tense. But there are differences.

Scott B. MacDonald November 2, 2020