Progressive Thinking for A Global Age
THE HIGH DESTRUCTION POTENTIAL OF ARGENTINA'S CRISISBy Thiago de Aragao.
Riding a rollercoaster, being afraid and knowing that everything will be fine in the end is rather exciting and generates some healthy adrenaline. Riding another rollercoaster, with loose tracks and poor infrastructure, and nevertheless managing to be safe in the end, is a priceless lesson for the future.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra legitimizes institutional crisisBy Thiago de Aragao.
Nobody should be surprised at the result of the referendum on autonomy held on Sunday, May 04, in the province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The highly anticipated "Yes" victory, to be confirmed by the end of the week when the vote's official results are due to be released, has led to reactions by Bolivia's central government and by the Santa Cruz government too, which did not expect a different result.
The difficulties Venezuela is bound to experienceBy Thiago de Aragao.
Oil prices at $120 per barrel allow Hugo Chávez to do many things he would not normally be capable of. Venezuela, historically dependent on their greatest blessing, oil surpluses, has never developed other industries to help the country grow stronger, more developed and self-sufficient. Huge oil reserves have made the Venezuelan government and high society fond of imports.
Monthly Review - The Waters of MarchBy Thiago de Aragao.
This March was one of the most exciting months in the latest years as far as South America is concerned. The diplomatic row between Colombia and Ecuador, with a gratuitous cameo by Venezuela, was certainly the month's greatest event. The troop movements, the hard stance taken by Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, and the apologies for invading Ecuadorian soil on the part of Colombian president Álvaro Uribe have left their mark in the continent's diplomacy this month.
A Diplomatic Crisis and the Players' PerformanceBy Thiago de Aragao.
Latin America came to a halt during recent weeks, to witness the crisis between Colombia and Ecuador, featuring an over-the-top intromission by Hugo Chávez's Venezuela.
Hugo Chavez's VenezuelaBy Thiago de Aragao.
A special report from Thiago de Aragão on travelling in the entourage Of President Lula of Brazil to visit the unique Venezuela of President Hugo Chavez.
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Latin America: Events in OctoberBy Thiago de Aragao.
Beyond any doubt, the election of Cristina Kirchner in Argentina stood out as the most important political event last October.
Latin America: Events in SeptemberBy Thiago de Aragao.
September saw a series of political developments across the South American continent. No new events emerged, however, and instead progress was made on issues that had arisen in previous months.
Mexico HereafterBy Thiago de Aragao.
After the elections of the July 2nd, the situation in Mexico gives the impression of being better, but it is just an impression.
ALAN GARCIA, PRESIDENT OF PERU - How it happened and what it meansBy Thiago de Aragao.
Date: Monday 3 July 2006
Alan Garcia's Background
The victory of the social democrat Alan Garcia in Peru is of no less concern for the South American community than the victory of the extreme-nationalist Ollanta Humala would have been. The reason for such concern, besides the ruinous government of Alan Garcia between 1985 and 1990 in Peru, is the image it presents to the world. In recent speeches, Garcia stated he would not hesitate to close the Congress if his projects were opposed.
Bolivia: Morales' pledges will stall progress and co-operation in Latin AmericaBy Thiago de Aragao.
South America's poorest country is back at the centre of attention in the region. Evo Morales' historic electoral victory has signaled the onset of a government that combines indigenous nationalism and a typically Latin American left-wing populism. Bolivia has always been tightly dependent on foreign investments to compensate for its managerial ineptitude and an inability to take advantage of its own natural resources. This has fostered an influx of foreign capital which has contributed significantly to the maintenance of the country, albeit in a precarious fashion.
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The West must recognise Latin America's new leadersBy James Royston. Source: Diplo Magazine
The West must recognise the legitimacy of Latin America's new generation of democratically elected leaders, despite their divergent politics.
Brazilian Political Scenarios: 21st May 2006By Thiago de Aragao.
Recent events in Brazilian politics are analysed, and potential future scenarios are assessed.
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Brazilian Political Scenarios: 14th May 2006By Thiago de Aragao.
Recent events in Brazilian politics are analysed, and potential future scenarios are assessed.
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Brazilian Political Scenarios: 8th May 2006By Thiago de Aragao.
Recent events in Brazilian politics are analysed, and potential future scenarios are assessed.
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Brazilian Political Scenarios: 10th April 2006By Thiago de Aragao.
Recent events in Brazilian politics are analysed, and potential future scenarios are assessed.
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Brazilian Politics: 2nd April 2006By Thiago de Aragao.
A review of the past week in Brazilian politics.
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South American Political Reforms TableBy Thiago de Aragao.
Thiago de Aragao lays out the proposed reforms of nine South American states, and explains their characteristics.
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