Five Sad Reasons to Worry about Peru
“There is something different about the way Peruvians do politics,” writes Rafael Velasquez. “Something scary, it should be said.” Politicians use everything from the powerful coca leaf influence to old resentment towards neighboring Chile to squeeze out a political advantage over their opponents. It is, says Velasquez, a dangerous recipe.
A socioenvironmental success story? The World Bank thinks so.
A MODEL FOR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATION IN THE HYDROCARBON SECTOR
The Illusion of Democracy in Latin America
In light of the excesses, corruption, “emptiness” and elitism of certain “exemplary” Latin American democracies in the 20th Century, Tara Ruttenberg reflects on the emergence of leftist, populist, participatory democracies in the region, celebrates their successes, and warns against the possibility of backsliding into authoritarianism.
The people of Bolivia are rising and provide us with hope
Matt Kennard finds inspiration in the ground-up democratic movements of Bolivia, and the progress made by Evo Morales’ social policies. This article is cross-posted from the thecommentfactory.com
A Victory for Democracy: Bolivia
The Bolivian President has promoted a true transition: A constitutional reform, which introduces elements of direct democracy and allows for the postulation of independent candidates in municipal elections, the systematic depolitization of public posts, the ratification of reasonable and realistic agreements (which reconstructs the confidence in negotiation), the rejection to the old practice of “buying” leaders, the revision and reformulation of the Hydrocarbon Law.
The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and Latin American Integration for the 21st Century
Tara Ruttenberg and Gustavo Fuchs analyze the creation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) within the new framework of Latin American Integration in the 21st century. They provide insight into existing regional integration initiatives UNASUR and ALBA, and provide commentary as to how CELAC represents a critical tipping point in Latin American integration free from United States dominance.
Ecuador: Protest and Power
An additional tally for the Left. Correa, a young economist endorsed by Venezuela’s Chavez, won the run-off elections in Ecuador 26 November 2006. Although he’ll will swear-in with little or no dispute over the election results, Ecuador’s presidency can appropriately be compared to the unkept roads that clamber through the Andes. Guy Hedgecoe analyzes the bumpy boulevard and shift to the left ahead.