The exercise of power through control of the media is a constant in history, and represents the “depraved tendency of political actors” who strive to manipulate the system, a dynamic that is clearly present in Guatemala. 

Shortages and long lines have sparked violence and arrests in Venezuela.  Consumers now spend hours in lines for a chance to buy basic necessities, but there are no guarantees about what will be available.  The opposition continues to call for peaceful demonstrations and point to the failure of government policies, while international accrediting agencies warn

Chivilcoy is the first place in the country to prohibit government agencies from sponsoring such events as well as to discourage potential private organizers. 

Protests over the construction of Nicaragua’s inter-oceanic canal have expanded. 

Indigenous organizations and international human rights activists say Peru has failed to protect the rights of indigenous people in its Amazon rainforest. 

There are growing concerns about the increase of unemployment in Latin America, despite projections that the region’s economies will continue to grow. 

Brazil has targeted Petrobras contractors as its corruption probe expands. 

Argentina has a plan to bypass the vulture funds.  Economy minister Axel Kicillof has praised the results of a recent debt swap. 

Economic mega projects are among the largest producers of social conflicts in the country.  Groups affected have reported imprisonment and murder.  And 2014 closed with a good deal of pessimism about Mexico’s economy. 

Thousands of Guatemalans living abroad and foreign visitors send money.