Southern Cone & Brazil

WTO trade talks froze in Geneva, where booming Brazil played a central role, further strengthening its position as global player and setting the stage for a battle over U.S. ethanol tariffs. As Doha flounders, countries such as Chile and Peru step up bilateral agreements to boost international trade ties. 

As the U.S. Navy reactivated its Fourth Fleet to manage operations in Latin American waters last week, U.S. officials responded to concerns from regional leaders about the fleet’s purpose. 

Labor rights have failed to keep up with the free flow of goods and capital. Here's a proposal to protect workers' rights and meet the demands of the U.S. labor market and the global economy. Read the full article in the Summer 2008 issue of Americas Quarterly.

World leaders convene in Rome to discuss worldwide security. Latin American countries face challenges associated with rising food prices and seek measures to stave off a food crisis. An AS/COA update examines regional food production and supply issues.

FedEx Express' Juan Cento warns that the while Latin America has experience its highest economic growth rates since the late 1970s, poor transportation infrastructure and regulatory barriers "undermine the region's competitive strengths." He suggests the development of public and private sector partnerships to boost regional infrastructure.

At the AS/COA book launch for Can America Compete?, a panel including the publication's contributions and co-editor debated whether Latin America's growth is sustainable and will allow the region to to break the cyclical boom and bust pattern that has historically characterized its economy.

At the Miami launch of the latest issue of Americas Quarterly, a panel moderated by Miami Herald columnist Andrés Oppenheimer examined Latin American social mobility and hemispheric trade policy, as well as Cuba’s economic outlook following Raúl Castro’s accession.