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.
The evolution of Panama-PRC relations since recognition, and their strategic implications for the U.S. and the region
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
Economics, Trade & Development
How the U.S. can better balance Chinese investment in infrastructure
By Max Nathanson / TheMaxNathanson /
The U.S. can both balance Chinese influence and help Latin American governments address environmental and social concerns by investing in the “soft” side of the infrastructure boom.
Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations
El Salvador: A pragmatic U.S. response should follow Chinese inroads
By Jimmy McDonough / JamesNoJimmy /
Rather than ostracizing El Salvador, the U.S. should focus renewed attention on enhancing its support to Central American institutions working to enforce the rule of law.
China
El Salvador recognizes the PRC: Confrontation on the FMLN’s way out the door
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
El Salvador’s change will likely contribute to the sense of urgency of the remaining states that recognize Taiwan to follow the Salvadoran example and close a deal with the PRC before the opportunities for negotiating compensation for doing so dry up.
Democracy & Elections
Lenin Moreno and the struggle for the soul of Ecuador’s (and Latin America’s) left
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
While a significant portion of the Latin American left continues to be driven by an anti-U.S., personalistic agenda, Lenin Moreno represents a principled branch of that left. The U.S. can and must learn to deal with leaders like him in a constructive fashion.
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?
China
China Finds Partners (and Power) in Latin American Space Development
By Rachel Mural / MENU
Many Latin American states recognize the appeal of national space programs, even if they lack the capital and material capacity to develop them. For many, space represents yet another tool for development.
China
What Pakistan can teach Latin America about Chinese finance
By Max Nathanson / TheMaxNathanson /
While Pakistan might not seem like a natural comparison for Latin America, one notable similarity exists: massive Chinese lending.
Venezuela
Venezuela’s election, the day after: A handover of the nation’s oil riches to Russia and China?
By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis /
Even though the outcome is a near-foregone conclusion, decision makers and analysts in the United States and the region must prepare for possible significant shifts in Venezuela following the May 20th elections.
Policymaking
A conversation with Margaret Myers, director of the Latin American and the World Program at the Inter-American Dialogue
By Victoria Gaytan / VickyGO /
We spoke to Margaret Myers, one of Global Americans’ 2018 New Generation of Public Intellectuals, to learn about her experience and her view on the future of Latin American dynamics with China and the United States.