Americas

As US crude prices crumble, a difficult hand for the United States

By Reed Blakemore and John Soughan

As the market digests the final surge of oil from a Saudi-Russian price war prior to the implementation of production cuts on May 1, it may be that the tail end of a brutal supply glut has arrived and corresponding price stabilization—albeit at a very low price—will be soon to follow. But with oil demand projections reaching multi-decade lows, and US inventories continuing to build by record levels, the madness on April 20 suggests that US markets are far from out of the woods, putting policymakers and regulators in a tough position.

#AlertaVenezuela: April 21, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

As thousands of Venezuelans who lost their livelihoods to the COVID outbreak return to their home country, pro-Maduro outlets claimed the Colombian government had stolen funds meant to support these Venezuelan migrants.

Containing Russian influence in Venezuela

By David L. Goldwyn and Andrea Clabough

The Russian government has been instrumental in preserving the Maduro regime, despite years of intense domestic and international pressure favoring a democratic transition, providing the regime invaluable diplomatic leverage, security personnel, and material, as well as an economic lifeline. The US strategy for a democratic Venezuela must recognize these realities and focus on containing Russian influence in Venezuela, as it cannot end it.

Here’s how the U.S. can win the post-COVID19 race to growth

By Frederick Kempe

The post-COVID19 race will be an epic contest among the world’s most significant economies, with generational and geopolitical consequences. Being first out the gate will be significant, and that is likely to be China. Yet history has taught the United States that it’s victory will be longest lasting if it is achieved alongside partners and allies.

US-Mexico security cooperation after the COVID-19 shocks

By Pablo Reynoso Brito

In the post-coronavirus (COVID-19) world, US-Mexico security cooperation will continue to be critical for North America’s stability and prosperity. The current health and economic crises might impact Mexico’s security by causing social instability, straining law enforcement resources in marginal regions, and worsening the migration crisis.

In crisis, social connectedness builds more resilient communities

Grocery stores are building more resilient communities as COVID-19 has required people to stay home and away from their neighborhood eateries.

Mind the gap: Reducing gender gaps will foster long-term economic prosperity in Colombia

By Camila Hernandez

Significant lags in women’s economic and political empowerment remain in countries like Colombia. Having closed educational attainment and health and survival gaps almost entirely, the country still faces important gender gaps in economic participation and opportunity (a gap of 26.5 percent) and in political empowerment (a gap of 68.2 percent). If Colombia doubles-down on its efforts to close these gaps, numerous economic and social benefits will follow.