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.
Through a series of deft maneuvers, President Santos has helped ensure the acceptance and implementation of the peace accord, while still upholding Colombia’s constitution and respecting the will of its people. It’s driving the opposition nuts.
Did I miss something? No collective call for dialogue, not even a meeting wrap up by the Ambassador from Argentina. Just a call for lunch. Does that make the whole endeavor of convening the Permanent Council to discuss Venezuela a bust? Hardly.
This Thursday, Colombians had much to celebrate. In the presence of world leaders President Santos signed a cease-fire with the FARC, a day after Colombia played in the Copa America semi-finals. Though it lost, the games reminded Colombians how far they had come from the World Cup of 22 years ago.
