Hemisphere Politico

Taking a look at the latest political, cultural, and cultural trends in the Western Hemisphere with a touch of analysis and opinion. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-35559003-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[hemispherepolitico]

All Tied Up

As many Latin America countries are becoming more connected with this globalized world that we all live in, how much thought goes into how effective are these "free trade groups"?  

The photo ops are great for leaders with their smiling faces and the acronyms are great for pub quizzes but how much time and effort (outside of the annual summit and meeting) goes into making these blocs, groups, associations, alliances, etc. work?  

[hemispherepolitico]

Where did banana republics get their name?

VIOLENT, poor and politically wobbly, Honduras meets most people’s definition of a banana republic. On Sunday it will hold a closely-fought presidential election,...

For the amount that this term "Banana Republic" gets thrown around Latin American circles it is always good to find out where these terms come from. Surprisingly, it has very little to do with bananas.  

[hemispherepolitico]

Fujimori and Pinochet

I am wondering which country (Peru or Chile) will continue to chase the demons of its past longer.  Any insights please let me know....

[hemispherepolitico]

Chasing the 'Brazilian dream,' migrants strain the country's immigration laws

An investigation this month found illegal immigrants from Haiti living in squalor in an overcrowded camp – highlighting Brazil's lack of policies for dealing with a growing issue.

This makes me wonder what country in Latin America has had the greatest success in handling immigration issues.  I know that certain countries like Peru have been touting their attractiveness to foreigners, but having a booming economy does not mean that the immigration process is smooth.  

[hemispherepolitico]

Peru's Protests: Significant, but no sign of a “Peruvian Spring” - VOXXI

Peru is far from a “Peruvian Spring,” and though the protests are significant, they should not be compared to those that took place in Brazil and Turkey.

[hemispherepolitico]

[hemispherepolitico]

[hemispherepolitico]

[hemispherepolitico]

Other countries, such as Peru, have similar prior consent and consultation laws.  How they are enacted in each country seems to vary across Latin America.  

What is not different is the rush to resources as many Latin American countries look to dig - literally speaking - their way to prosperity.  From Mexico to Chile governments, local communities, and mining companies continue to find ways to reach agreements where all parties involved.  

[hemispherepolitico]

Lima Mayor Recall followup

For those who want to catch up on the recent mayoral recall in Peru's capital city here is an excellent summary. 

Here's hoping that Lima and Peru can put these silly, ego driven, waste-of-time recalls behind them.  

[hemispherepolitico]

Lima Mayor and Revocation

Thankful that Lima's recent revocation went the way it did.  It would have been to much chaos to have a transition at this time.  Just because you don't agree with someone in power does not mean that there should be revocation   That is what elections are for.  Hopefully, Peru can make some changes to make it more difficult to revoke politicians unless there is just cause; corruption, scandal, unethical behavior and not simply because the mayor is from a different political party.  

[politicalprof]

Remember when I asked why Americans can't do math?

And suggested that it might in part be the result of things like athletic conferences having names that were not consistent with their numbers? Like how the Atlantic 10 has 16 teams, and the Big 10 has 12?

Now the Big 10 is going to have 14 teams.

Seriously, America: give kids a chance.

[hemispherepolitico]

Could not have stated it better myself.  

[hemispherepolitico]

For my fellow Latin American policy folks out there.  Some policy discussions on the region and its place in the global economy.  

[hemispherepolitico]

If major college athletics can do some realignment maybe it is time for the U.S. to consider some expansion. It has been along time since a new state has been added.  

[hemispherepolitico]

Long since thought to have faded into obscurity remnants of Peru's Shining Path have struck out on the political scene looking to form a political party.  With a recent uptick in violence Peruvians are very nervous when seeing and reading about this new political group and the potential repercussions it might have.  

With President Humala's shift from a staunch leftist in the campaign to a center-right moderate as President has left a wide swatch of territory on the political left that is being filled be more radical groups that feel abandoned by their supposed leader.  

This is a story that will not die out anytime in the near future.  

[thoughtsfromtheandes]

Any type of new and improved transportation is sorely needed in Peru’s capital city.  Hopefully, the city and private companies will continue to think big to give this thriving and vibrant city a modern and efficient transport system.