Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

Industrial Policy

Failed Protectionism: What Trump Can Learn from Latin America
Failed Protectionism: What Latin America Can Teach Us

The region’s failed experiment with import substitution industrialization (ISI) offers a stark warning: embracing it may breed inefficiency, corruption, and stagnation.

Chile

Chile Has Bold Tech Ambitions. Far from Silicon Valley, Chile aspires to create a digital niche.
Chile Has Bold Tech Ambitions

Far from Silicon Valley, a digital niche is taking shape, with AI-driven initiatives and a data center boom.

Cultura

A Legendary Cuban Music Venue Finds a Home on Broadway

“Buena Vista Social Club” puts Latin America on the musical theater map.

Panama

Securing the Panama Canal Requires Diplomacy

A lighter touch with President Mulino will yield better results for the U.S.

Panama

Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, administrator of the Panama Canal Authority.
Q&A: Panama Canal Authority’s Ricaurte Vásquez Morales

An interview looking at Trump’s talk, expansion plans—and why Panama might still be the best shipping option, even if the Arctic melts.

U.S. Policy

President Donald Trump, left, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, during the tariff announcement on April 2. REACTION: Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs
REACTION: Trump’s Tariffs and Latin America

The baseline 10% tariff applies to many countries in the Americas, with notable exceptions. 

Brazil

PSD President Gilberto Kassab in Brasília. The Low-Key Power Broker Behind Brazil’s Biggest Party: A crucial figure in the country’s flexible “big center,” Gilberto Kassab pulls the levers of power no matter who’s in office.
Brazil’s Low-Key Operator

Gilberto Kassab is one of the country’s most important behind-the-scenes politicians, worth watching as the 2026 elections draw closer.

Nicaragua

The Stunning Loss Daniel Ortega Never Forgot

Nicaragua’s 1990 election is a tale of a bygone era—and a strongman who eventually got his revenge.

Mexico

Trucks in line to enter the U.S. at the Laredo, Texas port of entry in February. What Cartel FTO Designation May Mean for Mexico: Companies can take steps right now to mitigate the risks.
What Cartel FTO Designation May Mean for Mexico

Companies can take steps right now to mitigate the risks.

Mexico

The Missing Elements in Sheinbaum’s Crime-Fighting Strategy

Mexico’s crackdown on fentanyl trafficking is working, but more is needed to solve the nation’s security crisis.

Brazil

REACTION: Bolsonaro Will Stand Trial

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro will stand trial for attempting a coup. What happens next?

Venezuela

Stopping Venezuela’s Exodus Hinges on Restoring Hope

The nation’s problem is still there, and appeasing Maduro will not stem the flow of migrants, two experts write.

Podcast

AQ Podcast | Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum’s Moment 

Analyst Viri Ríos on Sheinbaum’s popularity, navigating Trump and her government’s tougher policies on security.

Argentina

A Key Pending Challenge for Milei’s Argentina

After making strong fiscal progress, Argentina’s government still confronts a fragile exchange rate regime as it seeks a new IMF program.

El Salvador

Plaza Bitcoin San Bartolo in Ilopango, El Salvador, Nov. 2024
In El Salvador, Bitcoin’s Retreat Left Valuable Lessons

Making the crypto asset legal tender was a worthy experiment, but financial innovation requires more state capacity and better regulations.

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