Teleforum

Recent elections in Latin America have brought about abrupt shifts in government in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, while unexpected upheavals in Bolivia and Ecuador have reversed their respective political status quo and challenged the rule of law. Reaction everywhere is mixed; there has been violent social upheaval in Chile, muted protest amidst populist upheaval in Brazil, grave economic worry in Argentina, stymied reform in Colombia, government by prosecution and shutdown in Peru, creeping authoritarianism in Mexico, and increasing influence by militaries on regimes across the region. These developments occur amidst increasing great power interest in the region. China is using its “sharp power” to dominate foreign direct investment and infrastructure in order to supplant U.S. influence in the region. Russia, meanwhile, throws economic lifelines to Venezuela, securing its illicit revenue streams and gaining a disruptive military and economic presence in the Western Hemisphere. What is