Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas
Visual Essay

When Mexico City’s Salsa-Dancing Pensioners Became Political Kryptonite

A showdown over dancing in a public plaza brought a halt to Sandra Cuevas’s rapid ascent—and continues to hang over her Senate campaign.

April 23, 2024

Russia

How Russia Tries to Sway Latin America on Ukraine

The Kremlin is using trade and digital media to build on existing skepticism of the U.S. in the region.

Brazil

The Problem-Solving Entrepreneurs in Brazil’s Favelas

In an era of surprisingly persistent poverty and hunger, some communities are making progress.

Podcast

AQ Podcast: An X-Ray of Peru’s Tinderbox 

A broad look at what’s behind political instability in Peru and what it means for the country’s democracy and the economy

Cultura

Actor Jaime Vadell as El Conde in Pablo Larraín's Netflix reimagining of Augusto Pinochet as ancient vampire. In the Oscar-nominated satire, Chile’s dictator lives on as a vampire. But it doesn’t take magical thinking to see his continuing influence on politics.
Pinochet’s Supernatural Staying Power

In an Oscar-nominated satire, Chile’s dictator lives on as a vampire. But it doesn’t take magical thinking to see his continuing influence on politics.

Mexico

President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (center), Secretary of the Navy Jose Rafael Ojeda Duran (left), and Governor of the State of Oaxaca Salomon Jara Cruz (right) are attending the inauguration ceremony of the breakwater at the Port of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca. The breakwater has been constructed to foster the development of the southeast region and enhance international trade by leveraging the country's geographical benefits.
AMLO’s Bet on Mexico’s South Is Paying Off—For Now

The initial success of public infrastructure investments will make them an enduring Morena priority. The gains may be a mirage.

Brazil

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva exchange warm greetings at a February event.
Brazil’s Polarization Is Here to Stay Even As Politicians Have (Mostly) Dialed Down the Rhetoric

The political debate in Latin America’s largest democracy looks less destructive than it used to be.

Podcast

AQ Podcast: Brazil’s Big Year on the Global Stage

A broad look at Brazil’s foreign policy as the country prepares to host the G20 summit later this year.

Brazil

Bolsonaro Seems Finished. Bolsonarismo Lives On.

A large but somewhat uncertain rally points to a transition ahead for Brazil’s conservative movement.

Colombia

Demonstrators against Colombian President Gustavo Petro's reform proposals gather at a Feb. 2023 protest in Bogotá. Petro’s pension reform now tests the Colombian Senate.
Petro’s Pension Reform Tests Colombian Senate

Despite having a minority in the upper house, the ruling Pacto Histórico may get the toned-down proposal approved. The House of Representatives will be tougher.

Brazil

Lula’s Gift to Bolsonaro

The Brazilian president’s attacks on Israel reinforce political polarization and give the opposition room to breathe.

Venezuela

Maduro’s New Crackdown on Venezuela’s Civil Society

The regime is reactivating a dormant NGO bill, adding to fears of Nicaragua-style repression ahead.

Podcast

AQ Podcast: Today’s LGBTQ+ Politics in Latin America

An expert’s overview of the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the region, and how they relate to politics.

Foreign Policy

The U.S. and Europe Should Work Together on Latin America. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen met in New Delhi at the G20 Summit in September 2023. Issues like supporting democracy and combating organized crime demand a triangular approach—but the obstacles are sizable.
Why the U.S. and Europe Should Work Together on Latin America

Issues like supporting democracy and combating organized crime demand a triangular approach—but the obstacles are sizable.

Mexico

Eduardo Verástegui speaks during a rally with supporters in Sept. 2023 in Guadalajara, Mexico. A centrist population and the president’s ability to set the agenda has left little space for conservative outsiders.
Right-Wing Populism Hasn’t Thrived in Mexico. Why?

A centrist population and the president’s ability to set the agenda leave little space for conservative outsiders.

Venezuela

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro
Venezuela Stops Pretending. The World Should, Too

The international community faces tough decisions once again, after a high-profile arrest and expulsion.

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