Weekly Roundup: The Andean Crisis, the NAFTA Controversy, and Brazil's Entry into OPEC

Crisis in the Andes

Leaders around the world—from throughout the Americas to the EU to the UN—have urged diplomacy and restraint in the tense standoff between Colombia and its neighbors. Ecuador and Venezuela have moved troops to their respective borders with Colombia following a weekend attack on members of the FARC by Colombia. Coverage by the Houston Chronicle takes a look at the military balance in three countries. A report by World Politics Watch examines concerns about Venezuela’s military buildup. Despite fears about a potential war, diplomats meeting at the Organization of American States believe the standoff will be peacefully resolved. 

Read and AS/COA analysis about the Andean crisis.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) became the center of controversy following remarks by both Democratic presidential candidates that each would consider renegotiating the trade deal’s terms. Media attention then turned to a leaked memorandum describing assurances to Canadian officials from senior campaign advisors working for Senator Barack Obama that the Democratic candidate’s anti-NAFTA remarks amounted to campaign talk rather than policy goals. Slate’s “Hot Document” takes a look at the memo. Columbia University economist Jagdish Bhagwati writes in the Financial Times that recent commentary about Obama’s trade policy agenda is “faintly ludicrous."

In a Los Angeles Times article examining NAFTA, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth said the agreement “has become symbolic of the fears and apprehensions of globalization in general.” 

Read an AS/COA Online analysis of Canadian and Mexican reactions to the U.S. election debate about NAFTA.

U.S. Influence in Latin America

In a new article appearing in the American Interest, AS/COA Senior Director of Policy Christopher Sabatini and COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth outline a new policy agenda for the next U.S. administration. They argue that, while aid is crucial, it is equally important to develop common views and improve regional cooperation on issues such as trade, education, security, and labor reform.

Falling Short on Anti-Drug Efforts

The U.S. State Department’s released its International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) last week. The Latin Americanist blog takes a look at the report and notes that Latin America accounts for 14 of the 20 countries cited for failing to meet anti-drug agreements.  

The Globe and Mail’s business section reports that foreign investors have tapped into Mexico’s mining industry. The country’s mining production has nearly tripled in the past five years, reaching $7.2 billion in 2007.

Climate Change and the Panama Canal

A report by NPR’s Morning Edition examines the impact of climate change on the waters flowing in the locks of the Panama Canal. With the canal dependent on fresh water, a decrease in rainfall might pose a threat for one of the world’s most important shipping routes. 

AS/COA recently hosted its first Latin American Cities Conference in Panama.

Cuba has signed two UN human rights pacts previously opposed by former Cuban President Fidel Castro. 

In a Miami Herald editorial, U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd argues that trade can bring democracy to a post-Fidel Castro Cuba.

AS/COA hosted a March 5 roundtable discussion about Cuba's political and economic future. Listen to a podcast of the program.

In late February, Brazil outranked China to become the world’s biggest emerging market, according to an index prepared by Morgan Stanley Capital International. 

In a new article for AS/COA Viewpoints Americas, Eliana Cardoso, a professor at Fundação Getúlio Vargas and former World Bank economist, explores the balance between Brazil's sustained economic growth and China's hunger for commodities.

A recent AS/COA Miami event examined Brazil’s 2008 political and economic outlook. 

Success for Brazil’s Buy-Back Program

Sam Logan reports for ISN Security Watch that a 2004 Brazilian weapons buy-back program aimed to reduce the number of arms in civilian hands correlated with a decrease in homicide rates between 2003 and 2006. The Brazilian Justice Ministry plans to restart the program.

Brazil’s Entry into OPEC

In a Christian Science Monitor op-ed, Peter Z. Grossman, an energy expert at Butler University, argues that Brazil’s recently announced intentions of joining OPEC has launched fears of higher oil prices. But, he argues, “If Brazil joins, it is more likely to destabilize OPEC than enhance the oil cartel's power.”

OpenDemocracy examines Paraguay’s presidential race between the ruling Colorado Party—in power since 1947—and former Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo. The center-left Lugo has pledged that if he wins the April election he will renegotiate the terms of Paraguay’s two biggest hydro-electric projects with Brazil and Argentina. 

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez reshuffled his cabinet in the lead-up to 2009 elections. Mercopress takes at the ministerial changes and possible presidential tickets.