For Latin Americans, there are few memories as nightmarish as the "lost decade" of the 1980s, with its flagging growth and soaring levels of foreign debt, inflation and unemployment. Today, those days are gone. Dictatorships are no longer the norm. In most of the region, governing institutions have improved, and economic policymaking is generally more responsible, with stricter … [Read more...] about Tackling the Vulnerability to Economic Crisis
Politics and Institutions
Organized Crime, Eroding Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Latin America and the Caribbean is rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity, and resources. From the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Andes to the turquoise waters and the silky sands of the Caribbean, countries in the region are diverse in terms of human development, economic activity, and population size. One of the few common denominators they have is the high rate of … [Read more...] about Organized Crime, Eroding Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Bringing Order to the Fight Against Urban Corruption
Over the last three years, the media in Latin America has been offered a rich harvest of scandal. Brazil's Lava Jato affair, involving the diversion of money from contracts at the state-run oil company to personal and party coffers, has led to more than 200 arrests and 80 convictions. A Guatemalan president and vice-president were driven from office over a multi-million dollar … [Read more...] about Bringing Order to the Fight Against Urban Corruption
When Government Capacity Creates Economic Options
Government capacity is in part the ability to hit the long ball, to have long-term policies that look beyond the next election and the next change in administration. In economic policy, as in social policy and so many other areas, it can make all the difference. Unfortunately, in too many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean winning the next election and installing … [Read more...] about When Government Capacity Creates Economic Options
Moving Out of the Social Media Bubble to a More Robust Democracy
Since its founding in 2004, Facebook has boasted of its mission to "make the world more open and connected." And with nearly 2 billion users, including more than 230 million in Latin America, it has in many ways earned boasting rights. Facebook is today the world's dominant social media site for people sharing personal and political news, interests and passions. It unites … [Read more...] about Moving Out of the Social Media Bubble to a More Robust Democracy