Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

Canada

"Shop Canadian" signs on grocery store shelves in Victoria, British Columbia on Feb. 10. Trump 2.0 Is Fraying U.S.-Canada Ties
U.S.-Canada Ties May Face Even Bigger Trouble

Impending tariffs are inflaming anti-U.S. sentiment ahead of an increasingly unpredictable election.

Mexico

Sheinbaum Has a Crucial Decision to Make on Mexico’s Education

The use of the education system for partisan goals has undermined the implementation of ambitious reforms. Will that change?

Brazil

Bolsonaro and the Prisoner’s Dilemma

The former president’s possible arrest would reshape the electoral process into a broader political conflict, challenging the right.

Uruguay

Uruguay: Orsi’s Main Challenge

The nation’s new president will spend more time and energy managing his core supporters than dealing with his political opponents.

U.S. Policy

Bystanders await President Xi Jinping during the G20 Meeting in Rio de Janeiro in Nov 2024.
Latin America’s China Ties Won’t Be Easily Severed

Trump scored early as Panama is realigning with Washington. Convincing others to leave Beijing’s orbit may be more challenging.

U.S. Policy

President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi at her swearing-in ceremony on Feb. 5. What Trump’s FCPA Pause Means for Latin America
What Trump’s FCPA Pause Means for Latin America

Suspending U.S. foreign bribery law enforcement could increase corruption risk across the region.

Podcast

AQ Podcast | Trump’s Impact So Far on Latin America 

An overview of what Trump’s arrival has meant for Latin America and how governments in the region are reacting to him

Artificial Intelligence

DeepSeek Reveals Latin America’s AI Crossroads

China’s new large language model, LLM, offers the region a chance to seize AI on its own terms but also brings risks of dependency.

Latin America

Latin American Organized Crime’s Real Target: Local Government

Instead of seeking influence over presidents and legislatures, the region’s criminal groups are increasingly focusing on governors and mayors.

Nicaragua

Will Trump 2.0 Play Tougher on Nicaragua’s Dictatorship?

Initial actions by the White House, such as cutting USAID programs, undermine the country’s struggling opposition.

Mexico

Mexico Is Growing Old. Can It Build a Care System in Time?

The country’s demographic bonus ends with Sheinbaum’s presidency, offering a chance to rethink care and close workforce gender gaps.

Ecuador

A voter casts his ballot at a polling station on February 9, 2025 in Quito, Ecuador in the first round of the presidential election. Daniel Noboa and Luisa González will compete in a second round on April 13.
REACTION: Ecuador’s Presidential Election Heads to a Runoff

Daniel Noboa and Luisa González will face off in a second round on April 13. 

U.S. Policy

Demonstrators gather to support USAID in Washington, DC on Feb. 5.
USAID Changes Reflect Short-Term, Transactional U.S. Policy

Latin America can expect U.S. assistance to focus on narrow policy goals, which will have wide-reaching effects.

Chile

Chile's President Gabriel Boric speaks during a joint statement with France's President Emmanuel Macron at La Moneda Presidential Palace in Santiago, on November 20, 2024. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Chile’s Pension Reform Makes a Case for Political Compromise

The reform raises mandatory contributions and improves women’s benefits, while carrying a high fiscal cost.

Podcast

AQ Podcast | The Panama Canal: Past, Present and Future 

An overview of Panama’s historical ties to the U.S. and where the crisis might be headed next.

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