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.
In Panama, corruption looms over May presidential elections
By Lucas Perelló / lucasperello /
From Global Americans
Ten highlights from Global Americans in 2018
We combed through all of our publications from 2018 and selected what we thought were the best ten articles that captured the trends and events of the past year.
Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations
Taiwan’s struggle for partners and survival
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
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
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 /
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 /
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 /
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
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 /
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 /
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.
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