The Pandora Papers illustrate the evils of financial secrecy, transnational corruption, and money laundering, as well as the ability of politicians, high-net-worth individuals, and criminals to hide their money. They also show the insatiable temptations of financial confidentiality and the growing knack of the ICIJ to expose financial secrecy.
More than seven years after President of China Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road—the People’s Republic’s signature twenty-first century foreign policy agenda—the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden announced this week that the White House would send a delegation of officials to Latin America to scout opportunities for possible infrastructure development projects to counter those of China.
One does not usually think of bananas as big business, let alone as a factor in the fate of nations.
This piece examines the evolution of China’s position in Panama under the Cortizo government. It finds that China’s advance has suffered significant, if not necessarily enduring, setbacks under Cortizo, reflecting a combination of enhanced legal scrutiny, problems inherent to the Chinese projects themselves, and the adverse effects of the pandemic and corruption on the commercial and administrative environment in the country.
Iván Chanis Barahona is a lawyer, human rights activist, and president of Fundación Iguales, a non-profit organization that promotes the observance and respect of human rights through equality and respect for diversity in society who has just launched a new campaign in Panama.
Global Americans hosts a panel on LGBT+ rights in the Americas to discuss legal advancements, how the community is affected by COVID-19 and what more needs to be done.
On May 21st, five candidates presented their credentials for membership of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for the 2021-2024 term. Four posts need to be filled.
Panama’s presidential election quickly shifted from a safe bet to a close race. Nito Cortizo will hold the office for the next five years, but because of the narrow results his presidency is off to a weak start.
Washington can no longer take the Caribbean for granted. That means more than just impotently warning partners south of the hemisphere about China and Russia. Instead it will require more effective diplomacy and economic statecraft.
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.
