Author Archive

What is the difference between austerity policies and the politics of austerity? At a time when Europe is pondering how to deal with its debt crisis problem, we look back at the experience of Latin America during the 1980s Latin American debt crisis. Understanding what happened then, and recognizing the advances in economics and government, may yield some lessons for Europe.

Any conversation about free trade in South America inevitably includes some comment on Mercosur, a South American regional group constituted in 1991 and once hailed as the “next European Union” – clearly in a time when comparison with the EU was still seen as a symbol of hope and success! […]

São Paulo, Brazil, is a city of migrants. Globalization is turning the city into an increasingly cosmopolitan hub in Latin America. Its skyscrapers, enormous size and burgeoning job opportunities are opening the city to international young students and workers. A visit to the São Paulo supernova.

Internet is a promising tool in the strengthening of democracy, thanks to its potential to foster more participation in public affairs. In Rio de Janeiro, a project called Meu Rio is empowering citizens to voice their opinions with respect to local politics, in a non-partisan perspective.

The Brazilian model in the fight of the AIDS epidemic has been hailed as an inspiration for other governments, especially in the developing world. However, as it consolidates its bold strategies and eagerly waits for a new perspective of cure, the government must devise a plan to update positive aspects and explore even more opportunities in the fight for life.