Americas
an examination of current affairs in the hemisphere
Latin American Protectionism is Not an Option
The world financial crisis has been the main news item for weeks now. The media is running out of adjectives and synonyms to describe the daily events of the uncertain times. With plenty of blame to go around, a proliferation of contradictory explanations abounding, and the perception that world leaders are chasing an elusive magic solution, the reality is just beginning to sink in.
Following the decline of commodity prices in world markets, Canada has seen its currency go down. But the manufacturing [...]
Rights and Wrongs in Elections Down South
When it comes to elections and democracy, and
the many differences between countries, it is hard to say which
system works better. Yet indicators abound to identify when
something is not right.
Our election, with its limited time frame (36 intense campaign days), clear rules of what the public service can and cannot do during that time, and the transparency and reliability of Elections Canada, stands up very well when compared with others in our hemisphere.
In 2006, a dozen or so countries of the [...]
Our election, with its limited time frame (36 intense campaign days), clear rules of what the public service can and cannot do during that time, and the transparency and reliability of Elections Canada, stands up very well when compared with others in our hemisphere.
In 2006, a dozen or so countries of the [...]
If the OAS's Insulza Moves, So Should Canada
In 2005, the election of Jose Miguel Insulza as
secretary-general of the Organization of American States proved to
be a very contentious process, one that exposed the many divisions
in our hemisphere.
Thanks to Mr. Insulza's ambitions of running for the presidency of Chile, the OAS might soon find itself having to elect a new secretary-general. This is not a foregone conclusion, but as Mr. Insulza weighs his options, so do others within the OAS. The question is: Should Canada play a role in [...]
Thanks to Mr. Insulza's ambitions of running for the presidency of Chile, the OAS might soon find itself having to elect a new secretary-general. This is not a foregone conclusion, but as Mr. Insulza weighs his options, so do others within the OAS. The question is: Should Canada play a role in [...]
Chavez Flip-Flops, but Nothing Really Changes
Over the last few weeks, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
has had everybody guessing. In several announcements, he has
modified previous positions, changed courses of action, and
rectified policies.
All of this has left the international media wondering. "Weak or wise" asks the BBC. "Master tactician or failing bungler?" headlines the Economist.
Beyond Chavez's reasons for his turnarounds, what matters is the real impact these might have, both on Venezuelan domestic politics and in the international [...]
All of this has left the international media wondering. "Weak or wise" asks the BBC. "Master tactician or failing bungler?" headlines the Economist.
Beyond Chavez's reasons for his turnarounds, what matters is the real impact these might have, both on Venezuelan domestic politics and in the international [...]
EU Decides to Play Ball with Willing Partners
Last Friday in Lima, Peru, the heads of state and government
of nearly 60 countries met at the 5
th European Union and Latin American and Caribbean
Countries Summit.
Everything went well—well, according to the hosts, meaning without surprises, without some vociferous leaders hijacking the agenda, improvising proposals, or engaging in public confrontations. And, as usual, some leaders made the most out of bilateral encounters, while others wasted yet another opportunity.
The build up leading to the summit [...]
Everything went well—well, according to the hosts, meaning without surprises, without some vociferous leaders hijacking the agenda, improvising proposals, or engaging in public confrontations. And, as usual, some leaders made the most out of bilateral encounters, while others wasted yet another opportunity.
The build up leading to the summit [...]
