All commentary & analysis

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Ahead of Brazil’s municipal elections, novel legal requirements can elevate women’s participation in politics

By Valentina Sader

As the country prepares to hold municipal elections in October 2020, Brazil should aim to increase women’s political participation and learn from its fellow Latin American countries.

Brazil Elections

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Venezuela’s democratization: Leading with women to achieve peace

By Cristina Guevara

In order for Venezuela to transition to a more democratic, inclusive, and peaceful society, the interim government must strengthen women’s political participation and decision-making power.

Democratic Transitions Venezuela

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Colombia ¿Cómo vamos?: Women’s political and economic empowerment

By Camila Hernandez

Closing gender gaps in economic and political empowerment will move Colombia forward in its path toward sustainable development. Greater female participation in the economy and in politics will not only boost the country’s economy (by increasing productivity, diversifying the economy, reducing income inequality, increasing organizational effectiveness, among others), but will also contribute to more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable policies.

Colombia Women

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 5, 2020

Venezuelan women: The unseen victims of the humanitarian crisis

By Angela Chavez

Although gender inequality is not a novel issue in Latin America and especially not in Venezuela, the current humanitarian crisis has made women more vulnerable financially, politically, and socially, and made sexual violence and discrimination commonplace. According to a recent report by Venezuelan non-profit organization Center for Peace and Justice (CEPAZ), the crisis has increased women’s vulnerability through the lack of governance and weakened institutions, impoverishment, lack of access to food and medicine, and the rising forced migration, among other factors.

Migration Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2020

The path forward for the US-Brazil economic relationship

By David A. Wemer

Growing cooperation between the United States and Brazil has created “a very unique moment in our bilateral relations,” as both sides move closer to a potential deepening of their economic relationship, Ambassador of Brazil to the United States Nestor Forster said on March 5.

Brazil Trade and tariffs

Event Recap

Feb 27, 2020

The new Ecuador: A conversation with H.E. Lenín Moreno, President of Ecuador

By Isabel Kennon

On February 13, 2020, The Atlantic Council hosted H.E. Lenín Moreno, President of the Republic of Ecuador. This public event took place right after the President’s first visit to Washington DC.

Americas Economy & Business

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Feb 24, 2020

Women protest for their lives: Fighting femicide in Latin America

By Isabel Kennon and Grace Valdevitt

Femicide continues to claim the lives of Latin American women on a daily basis. In Mexico, they are standing up to say something about it.

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Feb 18, 2020

Spain’s position on Venezuela jeopardizes unified fight for democracy

By Cristina Guevara

Support shown to the Maduro regime on ideological grounds serves to fuel further polarization, not only in Venezuela, but around the world. Whatever the nature of the relationship between the Maduro regime and Podemos, or ideological commonalities between the two, lending diplomatic support for Maduro is commending a dictatorship.

Democratic Transitions Southern & Southeastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2020

US will use energy revolution to transform its foreign policy, energy secretary says

By David A. Wemer

The United States’ transformation into a net exporter of energy “has revolutionized our foreign policy, and it frees us to pursue options that we have not had at least in my lifetime,” US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette said on February 7. Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Brouillette argued that “with US energy production now at record levels, the world is no longer subject to the will of countries who seek to do us harm,” such as Russia and Iran, and allows the United States to use energy cooperation and investment as a key tool to advance its foreign policy aims.

Brazil Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Feb 4, 2020

What Trump’s State of the Union means for US foreign policy

By David A. Wemer

US President Donald J. Trump used his third State of the Union address to argue that his administration has “launched the great American comeback” through its economic policies and tough international stances. In a speech that focused heavily on domestic issues, his discussion of foreign policy mainly highlighted what he believed to be his major foreign policy successes, rather than announcements of new plans.

China Energy & Environment