Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

Organized Crime in Times of COVID

With Latin American governments distracted by the pandemic, transnational crime groups have continued to thrive. What can be done? VIEW PDF

Special Report

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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.

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