"In both Ecuador and Bolivia, the rhetoric of political inclusion is crashing into the politics of identity and collective rights," writes AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini for The Huffington Post.

An Ecuadoran court convicted a daily newspaper's directors of defamation July 20, sparking an international uproar from press freedom advocates and shining a light on Latin American libel laws.

"These reforms—if implemented as President Correa has promised—will vest the executive with a troubling degree of discretionary power over two areas key for democratic stability," says AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini of the Ecuadorean referendum that would give the president increased control over the media and judiciary.

Exit polls show that Ecuadorans largely voted in favor of a 10-point referendum on May 7. But even though voters backed President Rafael Correa’s proposals, some changes—such as media and judiciary reforms—remain controversial.

A referendum proposed by Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa would reform the judiciary and crack down on crime, but critics say it will strengthen the executive’s hand.

Ecuador declared a state of emergency September 30 after police clashed with President Rafael Correa and his supporters, sparking a national crisis. Access an AS/COA resource guide to reactions and coverage.

The U.S. secretary of state mapped out an “opportunity” vision that must now find a way to take hold, writes Richard Feinberg of the University of California, San Diego.