Event: Is the Foreign Policy of Brazil Keeping Up with Its Role on the Global Stage
Brazil has been called a country that punches below its weight in foreign affairs. It has the worlds fifth largest population and seventh largest economy, yet it struggles to match its size with relevance on the international stage. Why isn't Brazils foreign policy more activist, commensurate with its economic and political aspirations? Do...
Can Latin America resist a return to its populist past?
In Latin America, militaries have largely shed their role as interventionists. Instead, popular politics are becoming stronger as democracy joins with a politically active middle class. Elections favor catering toward the short-term demands of constituents, which inevitably leads to a lower priority for infrastructure development, education, and...
Latin America Commits to Open Trade After Protectionist Year
Latin American leaders—who have put in place some of the world’s highest trade barriers—agreed to fight protectionism in a summit with their European Union counterparts this weekend. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the EU signed a joint declaration on 26 January that embraces...
Trickling Down: Latin America's Glacier Problem
A new study shows glaciers in the tropical Andes have shrunk 30-50 percent in the last four decades. Glaciers provide a vital water source to parts of Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Additionally, Brazil is investing in hydropower in Peru and that power source is likely to be impacted significantly by reduced glaciers. That means higher...
The Morningside Post Great Debate: Will Chavismo Live On Without Hugo Chavez?
Venezuela’s president, Hugo Chávez was not returned from his cancer treatment in Cuba in time to be sworn in for his new term. He has had four major surgeries in the last two years, and although significant details about his illness have been kept secret, there are rumors that he might not be able to continue governing. In his years...
Latin America the best positioned to face commodity price collapses: S&P
Latin America will benefit from having “more firepower” than other regions, as strong international reserves are already helping those countries face commodity price collapses, said Lisa Schineller, Standard & Poor's economist. From Mexico south, the expert believes most countries are in a good place to face commodity price sharp...
Former coup general launches Honduras presidential campaign
Former Honduran armed forces chief Romeo Vasquez, who in 2009 led the coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya, on Sunday launched a presidential campaign, saying he will restore order and security to the troubled Central American country. Read more here.
Spanish University Launches Sustainable Energy Project in Colombia
Northwestern Spain’s University of Santiago de Compostela is leading a project to create “sustainable energy communities” in Colombia, providing free electricity to residents of La Primavera, a town in the so-called “FARC zone,” officials said. Read more here.
Why Indian IT companies are looking at markets of South America
Indian IT services companies that are dependent on the US and European markets see the emergence of Latin America as an opportunity. The region is politically vibrant, economically booming, has a huge talent pool of multi-lingual, cost-effective professionals, which could be used in a near-shore business model to service their North American...
EU Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean
The European Union (EU) released a statement highlighting the relationship between the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in advance of the 7th bi-regional summit. The statement highlighted the strong bond between the two organizations and the history of cooperation on common interests. For the upcoming summit...
Thought Leadership Forum on Transnational Organized Crime
The Journal of International Affairs is pleased to announce its fifth Thought Leadership Forum, taking place on Friday, 7 December, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Moderator Dipali Mukhopadhyay, PhD, Assistant Professor at Columbia University's...
East African Community Working Towards Security Deal With Interpol
As cooperation between members of the East African Community (EAC) deepens, there is an unfortunate by expected increase in crime. The EAC is a a regional intergovernmental organization comrpised of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Law enforcement officials cite the rise in crime as a byproduct of development. To combat this rise in...
Call for Cordier Essays for Spring/Summer 2013 issue
The Andrew Wellington Cordier Essay Contest The Journal of International Affairs is seeking submissions for the Spring 2013 Cordier Student Essay Contest for its upcoming issue on Latin America. The author of the winning article will receive $500 along with publication alongside noted scholars in the Journal. Published by...
Call for GPPN Essays for Spring/Summer 2013 issue
Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) Essay Contest The Journal of International Affairs is seeking student submissions for its semiannual GPPN Essay Contest. The author of the winning article will receive USD500 along with publication alongside noted scholars in the Journal’s forthcoming issue on Latin America. Published by Columbia...
Bali Process challenged by rise in irregular migrants
The rise in irregular migrants continues to challenge attempts to curb human trafficking in the Asia Pacific region. On Monday and Tuesday, Indonesia and Australia co-hosted a ceremony commemorating the 10th year of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Related Transnational Crime. At the ceremony the Indonesian Ministry of...
Announcing the new Digital Senior Editor
The Journal of International Affairs is pleased to announce that Maggie Dewane will join the 2012-2013 editorial board as the Digital Senior Editor. Ms. Dewane will be responsible for shaping content for the JIA Online and leading the editing process for digital content. Ms. Dewane previously served as an editorial assistant, digital assistant,...
Trans-Tasman intelligence sharing pact targets organized crime
On Monday, the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and New Zealand Police (NZP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to improve intelligence sharing on issues of organized crime. John Lawler, the chief executive of the ACC, stated that improved intelligence sharing would “inform strategies to reduce supply, demand, and harm...
Pope: organized crime is a grave threat to society
Speaking to an audience of Interpol members, Pope Benedict XVI condemned organized crime as a "gravely destabilizing threat." The Pope specifically referred to the practice of organ trafficking while calling for greater international cooperation to fight organized crime. Organ trafficking was described as a moral transgression that...
Canada Assists Interpol to Combat Child Sex Abuse Cases
The National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has donated a computer software program to Interpol to facilitate tracking and investigation of international child sex abuse. The program is a part of a mobile application that can be shared by investigators around the world. Using existing evidence,...
Mexico Fights Drug Cartels, Questions Police Officers
In the ongoing battle against organized crime, the Mexican government authorized the detention of 23 police officers in the towns of Chalco and Valle De Chalco, to question them about existing corruption and allegiances to the infamous Zetas drug cartel. Early in October, Mexican marines fatally shot Zetas leader Heriberto Lazcano. Since then,...