The first step in designing effective programs to reduce poverty in the region is to figure out the real numbers. Unfortunately, that's harder than it looks, writes Sanjay G. Reddy. Read the full article in the Spring 2008 issue of Americas Quarterly.
Social networking sites are engaging users in political activism, from a massive international rally against Colombian guerilla group the FARC to the U.S. immigration debate. Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube also serve as tools to draw young Latino voters to U.S. polls.
Colombia's private sector has a long history of focusing on social and economic development. COA hosted a several prominent leaders from large Colombian companies to discuss the role of corporate social responsibility and the importance of the pending U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement for enhancing institutional development in Colombia.
The U.S. Senate passed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement December 4 by an overwhelming majority of 77-18. The Senate’s approval , along with the House of Representative’s strong vote last month, signals Congress' committment to providing a fair and favorable business climate that will provide jobs and economic growth in both countries.
COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth writes that Iran's deepening ties with some Latin American nations could have destabilizing consequences. But he emphasizes that Iran's foray into the Americas serves as an opportunity for nations of the Western Hemisphere to work together in support of democratic principles.
In remarks to the Baker Institute's Americas Project, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth discussed pending U.S.-Latin American trade agreements and the need for Washington to refocus on inter-American relations.
Alberto Saracho Martinez, executive director of Fundación IDEA, uses the new Institutional Quality Index to show that economic growth and citizen well-being hinge on respect for basic freedoms. IDEA is one of 18 Latin American think tanks that came together to develop and recently launch the index.
