Taiwan’s struggle for partners and survival

Panama

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

Taiwan’s struggle for partners and survival

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / December 7, 2018

The ongoing PRC advance in Latin America and associated end to the diplomatic truce with the ROC has legitimately raised the question of who might be next to abandon Taiwan for the benefits that come with recognition of the mainland.

From Global Americans

Central America: 2030 Trends

November 26, 2018

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 Central America by 2030.

China

The evolution of Panama-PRC relations since recognition, and their strategic implications for the U.S. and the region

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / September 21, 2018

While the United States has a considerable stake in the outcome of China’s advancing position in Panama, it must manage the challenge with prudence and respect for Panama’s sovereignty.

China

Chinese inroads in Panama: Transport hubs and BRI in the Americas

By Jorge Heine / jorgeheinel / June 26, 2018

Ten of the eighteen nations that still have embassies in Taiwan are in Latin America and the Caribbean. Does the flip to the PRC make economic and diplomatic sense? Who’s next?

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

Violence in Central America: Do no harm, Mr. Trump

By Kevin Casas-Zamora / January 31, 2018

Crime and violence in the Northern Triangle is a regional issue that requires a collective response to the structural factors driving it: weak state capacity, corruption within police forces and the judiciary, and insufficient data. Deporting refugees back to the region doesn’t help.

Just the Facts

Advances in marriage equality in unlikely places in the Americas

June 21, 2017

The last Spanish-speaking country to overturn anti-sodomy laws and one of the region’s most religious and socially conservative countries are both on the cusp of allowing same-sex marriage.

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

Panama’s recognition of the PRC: Strategic implications and recommendations for the U.S.

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / June 13, 2017

In switching allegiance from Taiwan to PRC, President Varela will likely bring more investment and support for his country. But is it a security risk for the U.S. in the region and its interests in the Canal?

Economics, Trade & Development

Ending the middle-income trap through policy design

By Javier Gutiérrez / jantgut / March 29, 2017

If Central America wants to get out of the middle-income trap it would do well to follow Uruguay’s lead and develop a focused, comprehensive industrial policy that builds on the region’s trade advantages.

Economics, Trade & Development

Trade in services: Central America’s big opportunity?

By Javier Gutiérrez / jantgut / February 3, 2017

While global trade in services is booming, most Latin American countries continue to export basic goods. Here’s what Panama and Costa Rica did to catch up. Other countries should follow.

Economics, Trade & Development

Can demographics and policy reform help Central America’s creative industries?

By Javier Gutiérrez / jantgut / August 30, 2016

Against grim economic news in Latin America, Central America is expected to grow by 4.3 percent this year. But that won’t be enough. Here’s how the region can grow further, leveraging its creative industries.