Ecuador Archives - Americas Quarterly

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.

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.

Ecuador: Meet the Candidates 2025

Daniel Noboa and Luisa González will compete in the April 13 presidential runoff.

Candidates at a presidential debate in Quito in January.

Ecuador’s High-Stakes Elections

Anti-establishment sentiment will likely shape the February 9 vote.

AQ Podcast | A Critical Election in Ecuador

An overview of what to expect in politics, the economy, and Ecuador’s relationship with the new government in Washington.

Ecuador Needs a Different Approach to Fighting Organized Crime

Daniel Noboa’s government should prioritize reforms to the justice system.

Ecuador: A 2025 Snapshot

AQ tracks political and economic trends to watch and key indicators in 2025.

In Ecuador, Mounting Challenges Threaten Noboa’s Reelection

Crime, an energy crisis, and economic stagnation may dim the president’s chances in the February 2025 contest.

AQ Podcast | Ecuador’s Difficult Battle with Organized Crime

An analysis of the numbers on the war on crime, Noboa’s reputation at home and abroad and a look at Ecuador’s economy.

President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa arrives at Carondelet Palace in Quito.

Now Empowered, Noboa Can Still Avoid Authoritarian Drift

Ecuador’s president gained a resounding endorsement for “mano dura” policies against organized crime in Sunday’s referendum. A delicate democratic balance is at stake.

What Ecuador’s Embassy Drama Means for Noboa

The raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito to seize a convicted former vice president hurts the president’s international prospects, but might help him domestically.

AQ Podcast | The Shifting Sands of Organized Crime in Latin America

An overview of how homicide and other crimes are evolving in the region

Ecuadorian soldiers carry out an anti-gang operation in Guayaquil on Feb. 5.

Ecuador’s War on Drug Gangs: A Mixed Picture So Far

President Noboa has deployed more than 30,000 soldiers and policemen to contain the chaos. While homicides have fallen, kidnappings and extortion remain high.

AQ Podcast | Ecuador’s Crossroads: Can Noboa Succeed?

An overview of the Americas’ latest front in the battle against organized crime.

AQ Podcast: How to Think About Latin America’s Security Crisis

An expert with firsthand knowledge discusses new crime dynamics and ways forward.