In the early 1990s, Argentina began a strong push toward neoliberal reform, drawing praise from the economic ideology’s proponents worldwide. This move precipitated the depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar, as well as defaults on massive debts to the International Monetary Fund, all culminating in an economic crisis in 2001. The crisis pushed … Read more
Protests across Venezuela have worsened since their start over a week ago. At least two more people have died from violence during the protests, bringing the death toll to five. One of the deceased is Genesis Carmona, a beauty queen from the state of Carabobo. In addition, the main highway in Caracas remains blocked by protesters, limiting mobility … Read more
The protests currently gripping Venezuela-the largest since the violent days after the election of current President Nicolás Maduro-continue to pit anti-government protesters against the police and military. The unrest began on February 12th with peaceful student rallies in several major Venezuelan cities to oppose the current government, which protesters say has done nothing to stop … Read more
The November election quickly approaching in Chile has the potential to expose fresh wounds in one of the most politically-divided nations in Latin America. On November 17, Chileans will head to the polls to choose between Michelle Bachelet of the left-leaning Partido Socialista de Chile and Evelyn Matthei of the right-wing Unión Demócrata Independiente. Both … Read more
The long-awaited and elusive Trans-Pacific Partnership may finally be in reach. The TPP has the potential to be the largest trade agreement in world history, with the countries in the Partnership collectively producing 40 percent of global GDP, significantly more than even the European Union. The deal is also structured in a way that China … Read more
As Elba Esther Gordillo, the 68-year-old leader of the largest teachers’ union in Mexico, stepped out of her private jet in Mexico City, she was apprehended by federal police and arrested on charges of embezzlement and corruption. It was Feb. 26, one day after President Enrique Peña Nieto signed his extensive education reforms into law, … Read more
The March 5 announcement of President Hugo Chávez’s death marks a new chapter for Venezuela, as its population reflects on the legacy of the polarizing leader and its own future. As a result of his social programs, his political inclusion of the poor, and his assertions of Latin American independence from “imperialist powers,” Chávez gained … Read more
On Tuesday March 5, the Venezuelan government released the news of President Hugo Chávez’s death. Though many had surmised that his end was near, the news came as a surprise to Venezuelans and foreigners alike. Chávez had been diagnosed with cancer, and many believed that his death was inevitable, yet the government released almost no … Read more
Of the favelas, by the favelas “A rua é nóiz”, meaning “the streets are ours!” is the persistent refrain of the catchy Triunfo, a musical creation of the artist Emicida, the figurehead for Brazil’s current rap scene. Born of the favelas, impoverished settlements on the fringes of Brazil’s cities, lyrics such as these are not … Read more
A fervent abolitionist and cutting-edge feminist, John Stuart Mill was among 19th century Britain’s least bigoted intellectuals. Through his utilitarian lens, he examined, and defended, the welfare of all races, nationalities, and creeds. He sallied against popular claims that blacks were naturally inferior to whites, and advanced a deeply moralistic foreign policy in an era … Read more