The neoliberal policies of the last three decades and the eruption of a techno-bureaucracy, administered by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, gave rise to the shift from professional diplomats to friends of the presidents’ being appointed to important positions.

Two years ago, the Gallup Healthways firm named Panama as the happiest country in the world.

Air travelers in Latin America pay significantly higher airfares than other parts of the world.

A recent state policy has criminalized public protest in Oaxaca. Critics argue that the policy is a legislative effort to inhibit the defense of human rights.

In two meetings of less than thirty minutes each, two Israeli diplomats made it clearly known to the chargé d’affaires of the Uruguayan embassy in Israel, Giancarlo Ghibaudi, that they were upset with the government of President Tabaré Vazquéz.

Brazil will join the Paris Club, an organization representing international creditors, despite large amounts of debt.

Manufacturers have their eye on Peru’s automotive sector.  Because of the country’s vast area and generally poor public transportation system, car producers tend to cut prices and cut special deals in an effort to win the lion’s share of the market.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Argentine President Mauricio Macri recently met to discuss climate change, economic relationships, and political cooperation in the wake of the recent elections.

In a lavish offering of support, Russia is developing plans for political and economic assistance to Danilo Medina, President of the Dominican Republic, in exchange for immediate searches for oil on the island. This support is part of a Russian initiative in Caribbean and Central American nations, wooing Presidents and ambassadors to extend influence and

Representatives from the Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (CELAC) and Russia met in Sochi to negotiate what is being called “multilateral fortification.”