With a recent history of destabilizing violence from various radical narcotics groups such as the FARC, Colombia has surprised many observers of the region over the past two decades by transforming the outlook for the country from desperate and violent, to leading the region in stability and growth. In hosting the Summit of the Americas in…
Despite mounting evidence of Iranian support for terrorist organizations and growing ties in Latin America, Vice President Joe Biden said to reporters last Wednesday that “People talk about Hezbollah. They talk about Iranian support for weapons and the rest. I guarantee you, Iran will not be able to pose a hemispheric threat to the United…
Since taking office in January of 2007 Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has been heavy handed in his dealings with media in addition to aggressively pursuing his progressive policies. As early as May of his first year as President, he audaciously and ironically had his security remove the editor of El Universo newspaper during an interview.…
In early 2011, the Gran Torre Santiago became the tallest building in South America. Planned to reach a height of 980ft (300m), the building struggled through stalled construction during the global economic downturn from 2008–2009. Only a few blocks away, the Titanium La Portada previously held the title of the tallest building in Chile at…
Last week a train accident in Buenos Aires claimed the lives of 50 individuals. While the event is obviously intensely mournful, much of the emotion within Argentina also includes a high level of frustration over the system and society which allowed this to happen. Argentinian culture is known for being proud. Nationalism has been the…
Bolivia has enjoyed nearly 190 years of independence from Spain. Unfortunately, leadership of the country during those years may be best defined as “tumultuous.” Violence, coups, and civil wars have been far too common place throughout the nation’s story, as evidenced by the sheer number of leaders who have carried the burden of authority in…
With the introduction of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, influence from outside powers in Central and South America had been strategically limited to the United States. It is a doctrine that shaped the Cold War, and has served to deter international meddling in Central and South America. Recently, influence is growing from unexpected regions; notably, from…
His full name is Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Blanco, and his legacy is equally voluminous. Born on July 24, 1783, he was serendipitously raised in an age of revolutions, and was one of the key leaders in the struggle for independence from Spain which would spread throughout…
There is concern in Venezuela about the direction the country is moving politically, and Venezuelan governor Henrique Capriles is beginning to represent hope for opposition groups. As mayor of Caracas, Henrique was targeted by the administration for not doing enough to suppress protests against the Cuban embassy in 2002, and was charged with fomenting violence;…
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