While at a New Orleans summit, leaders of Mexico, Canada, and the United States responded to recent criticism of NAFTA by lauding the trade deal. They also touched on immigration and border security.
A proposal to create a South American defense alliance arose last week during a Brazil-Venezuela summit. As tensions between Ecuador and Colombia continue, Brazilian officials recommend a defense board to mediate in regional disputes.
A Colombian strike against the FARC in Ecuador ignited tensions with Quito and Caracas, causing a diplomatic breakdown and economic repercussions.
While illegal immigration draws attention in U.S. public debate, smuggling of arms into Mexico fails to gain the same notice. As the related death toll rises in Mexico, new
Mexican President Felipe Calderón emerged as a sure-footed leader during his first year in office, meeting challenges ranging from organized crime to a deadlocked legislature to a natural disaster. Now that the honeymoon period is over, how will he fare in 2008? An AS/COA update takes a look at what Calderón achieved and the tests he'll face next.
Brazil intends to hike its 2008 military budget to strengthen its defense industry, but some worry about a regional arms race. The new issue of Americas Quarterly examines security in Latin America.
The head of U.S. Southern Command assesses the unconventional security threats facing the region, ranging from narcotics and gang violence to terrorism. The solution, he argues in the new issue of Americas Quarterly, is hemisphere-wide cooperation.
