Comparing Hugo Chavez’s accomplishments to his U.S. obits was like taking a trip through Alice’s looking glass. Virtually none of the information about poverty and illiteracy was included, and when it was grudgingly admitted that he did have programs for the poor, it was “balanced” with claims of soaring debts, widespread shortages, rampant crime, economic chaos, and “authoritarianism.”
I’ll Miss Hugo
Hugo Chavez put an end to the reign of neoliberal IMF policies that had impoverished the masses of Latin America and inaugurated a new order of resource nationalism and income redistribution that favored the poor and the marginalized.
The Latin American Exception
The Washington Post recently featured a “staggering” map of 54 highlighted countries that reveals, in the years after 9/11, how the CIA turned just about the whole world into a gulag archipelago. But what’s most striking about the Post’s map is that no part of its wine-dark horror touches Latin America; that is, not one country in what used to be called Washington’s “backyard” participated in rendition or Washington-directed or supported torture and abuse of “terror suspects.”
Low Fertility and Labor Shortages Might Save the World
The inexorable decline of global fertility rates will just as inexorably lead to more migration of the world’s people.
A Valentine’s Day Gift That Keeps on Giving
The United States is one of only seven countries not to ratify a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women.
Salvadoran Gang Leaders Achieve a Measure of Redemption
Experts traveled to El Salvador to gain insight into how a truce between the gangs Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 led to a marked decrease in violence.
Non-nuclear Weapons States Forget How Much Power the NPT Affords Them
The NPT — a treaty in name only.
Alan Gross and the U.S. Pragmatism Deficit
A pragmatic approach to foreign policy is by nature flexible, responsive to changes in the target country, clear in its interests and goals, and creative in its implementation. In short, it’s everything the Obama administration’s approach to Cuba isn’t. Just ask Alan Gross.
Militarizing Latin America: Four More Years
For 150 years, the history of this region was largely determined by Washington, but now the U.S. — not its opponents — is currently being marginalized in the region.
The Falklands Referendum: A Hemispheric Balancing Act
In March 2013, Falkland Islanders will vote on a territorial referendum concerning their relationship with London. While the likely reactions of Buenos Aires and London are predictable, it will be interesting to see how Latin American states, which generally support Argentina’s claim in the name of regional unity, and Washington, which has struggled to remain neutral, will respond.