Nestled between Brazil and Argentina lies the hidden gem of Uruguay, a nation filled with a rich cultural history, gorgeous beaches, and Argentinians on vacation. The nation officially gained its independence in 1828 after turning hands from several imperial powers. Uruguay developed throughout much of the 20th century as one of Latin America’s more progressive […]
Tag: latin america
Why is Ecuador Working With Gangs?
Once known as an “island of peace,” Ecuador has descended into seemingly irreparable violence. In 2023 alone, the police recorded a striking 8,000 deaths in Ecuador, which was eight times more than the number of deaths recorded in 2018. Ecuador’s recent homicide rate greatly surpasses those of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico—in fact, Ecuador currently has […]
Is China Dismantling Democracy in Latin America?
“After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country to the benefit of its citizens?” After visiting Beijing in 2017, former President Trump made a statement that may accurately reflect China’s contemporary foreign policy. Deemed the “Chinese miracle,” China has lifted 850 million people out of poverty since […]
Following the Green Road of the Marea Verde: Colombia Decriminalizes Abortion
The Court Case On Feb. 21, Colombia’s Constitutional Court delivered a groundbreaking decision for reproductive rights. The country’s top court voted in a 5-4 ruling to decriminalize abortion for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, delivering another victory for the Marea Verde, or Green Wave in Latin America—a movement that has caused landmark reforms that […]
Guatemalan Maya Take the Country to Court
On February 9, Indigenous elder Rodrigo Tot testified before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) on behalf of Agua Caliente, a Q’eqchi’ Maya community. For the first time in history, in Maya Q´eqchi´ Indigenous Community of Agua Caliente v. Guatemala, Guatemala is facing judgment in international court for violating Indigenous collective land rights. The […]
Amid Crisis in Venezuela, Traffickers Target Fleeing Migrants
Oil dependence. Falling production. Spiraling economy. Soaring debt. Hyperinflation. These are just some of the aptly-named “grim indicators” that led the Council on Foreign Relations to the conclusion that “Venezuela is the archetype of a failed petrostate.” Despite severe economic woes, the Venezuelan autocrat Nicolás Maduro has maintained his grip on power after claiming victory […]
What Debt-for-Nature Could Mean For Developing Countries
In 1842, Charles Darwin referred to the Belize Barrier Reef as “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies.” With its gleaming turquoise waters, verdant clusters of mangroves and rainbow of brightly-colored coral rising from the seafloor, it is plain to see why. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the site is home to multiple […]
Colombia’s Back-Breaking Battle for Reproductive Rights
Vibrant green banners ripple through the air, joined by cheers, chants and triumphant fists. Crowds of women publicly rejoice, embracing each other and jumping with joy. Some shed tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment. Over the past year, advocates for legal abortion in Latin America have greeted several success stories with emotion and […]
Environmental Activism in Latin America Comes with a Deadly Cost
In December 2020, Indigenous Honduran environmental activist Félix Vásquez was killed in front of his family by a group of masked men in the village of El Ocotal. His assailants were armed with pistols and machetes, scarring his family forever. This attack was a response to Vásquez’s efforts to help protect the environment and advocate […]
Dire COVID Conditions Grip Brazil
Dire COVID Conditions Grip Brazil Brazil is currently the worst place on Earth for COVID-19. The nation has the highest rate of new cases compared to any other country in the world. The current death toll in Brazil is approximately 300,000 COVID deaths, a number topped only by the United States. The healthcare infrastructure has […]