AMLO’s attempts to turn MORENA into the country’s dominant political force and his own populist governing style is concentrating power in the executive branch and threatening Mexico’s young democracy. A year after historic elections, was this the political change voters had in mind?
AMLO: Transforming politics at democracy’s cost
By Patricio Provitina /
Democracy & Elections
Presidential hegemony and democratic deterioration
By Armando Chaguaceda /
Countering democratic backsliding driven by powerful executives is as relevant as eliminating corruption, the deficit of the rule of law and the scourges of inequality and violence that plague Latin America’s democracies. Yet the latter issues still dominate public debate.
Democracy & Elections
The Nicaragua crisis: Ortega digs in amidst a long-lasting stalemate
By Salvador Martí /
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?
Venezuela
Under AMLO, Mexico’s government becomes an enabler
By Victoria Gaytan / VickyGO /
A Grupo de Lima founding member and a champion of restoring democracy in Venezuela under previous administrations, Mexico under AMLO has scaled back its support for human rights defense in the region.
Democracy & Elections
Guyana at Risk: Ethnic politics, oil, Venezuelan opportunism and why it should matter to Washington
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
A no-confidence vote in the parliament has triggered new elections, at a time—not coincidentally—that the country is grappling with how to manage its oil windfall. The U.S. can help.
Democracy & Elections
Bolsonaro should follow Lula’s 2003 example
By Patricio Navia / patricionavia /
If Bolsonaro governs as a pragmatic and moderate president, he can put Brazil back on the path of economic growth without undermining democratic institutions.
Just the Facts
Just the Facts: Confidence in institutions and support for democracy are in decline in the region
By William Naylor / wm_naylor / MENU
Reflecting a difficult couple of years for the Americas, the biennial LAPOP survey shows declining support for democracy and growing concern over corruption. But it isn’t all bad news.
Democracy & Elections
Mexico’s AMLO: A New Chavez or Lula?
By Joachim Bamrud /
Investors are anxious about whether Mexico’s next president will be more like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez or Brazil’s Lula.
China
Latin America and the emerging ideological struggle of the 21st Century
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
Despite its claims to the contrary, in advancing its national interest China’s government is remaking the global world order, directly and indirectly. But can the U.S. defend that order?
Democracy & Elections
Colombia’s ghosts of future past
By Pedro Pizano /
On the day of the Colombian elections, Pedro Pizano reflects on how too often elections are hailed as a watershed moment. But this presidential election really is. Really.
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