In 2001, a coalition of academics and newspapers united in what was known as the Grupo Oaxaca to propose and advocate for a so-called Freedom of Information (FOI) law. Proponents argued that a FOI law, which would force the government to reveal virtually all but national security information, would usher in a new era of government transparency. People would be given the tools … [Read more...] about Release Information; Give Power to the People
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Latin America: Turning the Corner on Corruption?
It has been a good couple of years for those fighting corruption in the Americas. Since May of this year, the leaders of the New York State Senate and Assembly were sentenced to terms ranging from 5-12 years in prison on charges including bribery, extortion and money laundering. A federal congressman from Philadelphia was convicted on more than two dozen charges, including … [Read more...] about Latin America: Turning the Corner on Corruption?
Tracking the Decline of the Right
Mauricio Macri presented a face of change to world leaders in Davos last month, the first Argentine president to represent the South American country at the World Economic Forum in over a decade. Macri's efforts to normalize relations with international stakeholders reflect a new direction in policies and international relations that have taken hold since December 2015 when he … [Read more...] about Tracking the Decline of the Right
Why clientelism sparks corruption?
Art Against Corruption Twelve years ago, the United Nations General Assembly designated December 9 as "International Anti-Corruption Day." Today, it seems that this measure has already achieved its purpose, at least in Latin America and the Caribbean where we have unquestionably increased our awareness of the disease. It is widely recognized that corruption … [Read more...] about Why clientelism sparks corruption?
Crime and Violence: An Expensive Problem
The costs of Latin America’s alarming levels of crime and violence go far beyond even the suffering of the direct victims. They have very real economic, as well as social, repercussions. In Uruguay, crime-related costs absorb 3.2 percent of GDP, diverting critical resources from more productive economic priorities. In Mexico, violence increases unemployment, closes businesses, … [Read more...] about Crime and Violence: An Expensive Problem