Dear President Trump: Central America Could Get Even Worse
A primer on what ails the region, and why the U.S. administration is not helping.
Read moreDear President Trump: Central America Could Get Even Worse
Central America
It’s Not Just Venezuela. Central American Democracies Are Under Threat, Too.
The first sign of trouble on my recent research trip to Nicaragua was that almost nobody would speak to me about President Daniel Ortega on the record. “I just don’t want any problems with Ortega,” one person said. Félix Maradiaga, a social entrepreneur from Managua, told me: “The government leaves you alone as long as … Read more It’s Not Just Venezuela. Central American Democracies Are Under Threat, Too.
Centroamérica no mejorará mientras los temas de las mujeres no sean una prioridad
Read in English El fracaso de América Latina en prestar atención a las mujeres está rezagando a la región. A pesar del gran éxito en la reducción de la pobreza y de la desigualdad de ingresos durante la primera década del siglo 21, la amplia brecha de género en la región continúa siendo un freno … Read more Centroamérica no mejorará mientras los temas de las mujeres no sean una prioridad
Will the Darién Gap Stop the Region’s Electrical Integration?
In April last year, the Colombian government announced its intention to pursue the creation of an interconnected electrical grid from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego. Naming the project “Connecting the Americas 2022” (“Connect 2022” ), the Colombians had picked up the idea from Washington and included it in last year’s agenda at the Summit of … Read more Will the Darién Gap Stop the Region’s Electrical Integration?
Central America Unplugged
The integration of Central America’s fragmented electricity market has always seemed a no-brainer—at least to outsiders. A seamless grid for delivery of electricity would not only make regional power generation projects affordable, but would also reduce costs to consumers and governments alike, as well as strengthen energy security at the national level. The foundations for … Read more Central America Unplugged
Smart Governance Practices on the Rise in Central America
The latest developments in information and communication technology (ICT) are no longer the rage among just tech-savvy enthusiasts. Municipalities across the hemisphere are also starting to pay attention. In Central America, mayors, municipal councilors and their advisors are embracing ICTs such as websites, social media platforms, mobile text messaging, and video cameras as useful tools … Read more Smart Governance Practices on the Rise in Central America
Growing Public Insecurity in Central America
Crime has replaced soccer as the hot conversation topic among business leaders, journalists, construction workers, and secretaries in Central America’s Northern Triangle—El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Although the problems of delinquency, particularly maras (youth gangs) and organized criminal networks, are not new to the region, public skepticism—bordering on contempt—for all three governments’ inability to deal … Read more Growing Public Insecurity in Central America
Recognize and Work with the New Central America
Mr. President-elect, please take a moment to recognize the vast changes in my region, Central America. Some of your compatriots already have, and they are surprised by what they have found. I recently enjoyed a cup of Salvadoranian coffee with a U.S. investor who regularly commutes between Manhattan and El Salvador, in less time than … Read more Recognize and Work with the New Central America