Special Report
The Pandemic’s Big Winner? Organized Crime
COVID-19 has been a bonanza for organized crime. Greater international coordination could ease at least some of the damage.
School’s Out in Latin America. Gangs Are Thrilled.
By JOHN OTIS
With 97% of Latin American kids out of class, some criminal groups see a surge in recruitment.
How Transnational Crime Is Mutating In the Age of COVID-19 in Latin America
By JOSÉ MIGUEL CRUZ and BRIAN FONSECA
An overview of the region’s challenges, and what governments can do about them.
7 Big Players in Transnational Crime in Latin America
The region’s criminal groups are increasingly sophisticated. AQ profiles some of the most visible.
Q&A: Brazil’s Pioneering Fight Against Gang Money Laundering
By CECILIA TORNAGHI
If you want to fight organized crime, defund it.
When Politics and Crime Collided in Peru
By LUCÍA DAMMERT
The rise and fall of a powerful governor allegedly shows the influence of criminal groups.
The Threat That Cannot Be Addressed Alone
By ANDREW J. TIONGSON
Combating organized crime in the Americas requires cooperation among the hemisphere’s countries.
Under Biden, Big Changes on Drugs and Crime Seem Unlikely
By BRENDAN O’BOYLE
A December report could lead to some modifications of U.S. anti-drug policy, but no dramatic steps.
SPONSORED CONTENTWhat COVID-19 Revealed About Illicit Trade
By ALAN VERMAUT
There is hope for combating illicit trade in 2021, but we have to act together.
Departments
Elections 2021
A closer look at the leading candidates in this year’s presidential elections.
Panorama: A Guatemalan Farmer Battles Climate Change
By LEONIE RAULS
Enrique Samayoa is confronting the effects of climate change with traditional farming practices.
Photo Essay: A Year of Change on the Paraná River
By SEBASTIÁN LÓPEZ BRACH
Islanders in Argentina’s Paraná Delta fight to keep local traditions alive amid environmental and public health emergencies.
Cultura
Music: AQ’s Winter 2021 Playlist
By SEBASTIÁN ZUBIETA
A new collaboration has led to Ecuadorian singer Mariela Condo’s first album in five years.
Film: Eduardo & Mônica
By CECILIA TORNAGHI
René Sampaio directs an unlikely love story inspired by the lyrics of late composer Renato Russo.
Books: Red Ants
By MARIANA REINA
Pergentino José’s first short story collection celebrates Zapotec culture, while underscoring the threats it faces.
Books: Conquistadores: A New History
By ANDREW DOWNIE
Fernando Cervantes’ detailed examination of history allows for a timely reframing of Columbus’ conquest.
