Content Type: Policy Brief / Political Geography: South America / Journal: / Topic: International Relations

Author:: Catherine Elton
Publication Date:: 03-2006
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: MIT Center for International Studies
Abstract:: In recent years, the money that migrants send back to their native countries has become a hot topic in international development circles. Multilateral banks, the governments of migrant-sending nations, the U.S. Government, and international development organizations laud the potential that remittances have to reduce poverty and promote development. Remittances are being exalted as “the new development finance,” and a ticket to “high human development,” while the migrants who send them are hailed as heroes back home. But the current remittance euphoria is both overblown and troubling when considered in a larger context of international development.
Topic:: International Relations, Economics, and International Trade and Finance
Political Geography:: United States and South America

Author:: Anna Gelpern
Publication Date:: 09-2005
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:: Argentina has finally restructured its foreign debt. Its credit rating is up, and its debt is back in the index. The new bonds are trading roughly in line with Brazil and Uruguay's, just above 400 basis points over treasuries for instruments of comparable duration. Argentina is raising new money from foreign investors. Earlier in the summer of 2005, it reopened a domestic dollar issue to accommodate excess foreign demand. Argentina and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are on again. They might even sign a new disbursing program after the fall 2005 congressional elections. Like a bad dream, the 2001 default is fading into the night after three years of brisk growth and impressive fiscal management—even as the usual nabobs natter on about structural reform and unhappy bondholders.
Topic:: International Relations, Debt, and Economics
Political Geography:: South America

Author:: Raúl Zibechi
Publication Date:: 07-2005
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:: South American societies are militarizing as a result of the regional superpower's intervention, which is undoubtedly a crucial factor on the continent, but also as a consequence of the profound economic and political changes we have come to call neoliberalism.
Topic:: International Relations, Arms Control and Proliferation, and War
Political Geography:: South America

Author:: Nadia Martinez
Publication Date:: 06-2005
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:: After 17 years at the helm of Latin America's largest source of development financing, the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is stepping down. Enrique Iglesias is slated to pass the reins to his successor in September. Like the recent fight over the leadership position at the Organization of American States, this contest promises to be a long and arduous process of political negotiation. As the United States attempts to maintain its traditionally hegemonic role in Latin America, Brazil is more boldly gaining some of that ground. And with annual lending to Latin American countries surpassing $8 billion annually, the IDB has significant influence over the region's economies.
Topic:: International Relations and Government
Political Geography:: United States, America, Brazil, South America, and Latin America

Publication Date:: 10-2005
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Abstract:: Brazil is a major player in the global economy, one of the world's 10 largest economies, with a population of 180 million and vast natural resources. Brazil's agricultural land is exceeded only by China, Australia and the United States, and agriculture plays an important role in the country's economy. Primary agriculture accounts for 8% of GDP, while agricultural products account for about 30% of exports.
Topic:: International Relations, Agriculture, and Economics
Political Geography:: United States, China, Brazil, South America, and Australia

Author:: Mark Falcoff
Publication Date:: 07-2004
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Abstract:: When Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva was elected president of Brazil in October 2002, popular expectations nearly across the political spectrum were so enormous that he was bound to disappoint someone. Indeed, what is remarkable about the present situation in Brazil is just how popular Lula remains (60 percent approval rating) in spite of a conservative fiscal policy, a modest uptick in the unemployment figures, a willingness to expend valuable political capital on pension and tax reforms, a financial scandal involving his chief of staff, and an embarrassing threat to expel a New York Times journalist.
Topic:: International Relations, International Trade and Finance, and Political Economy
Political Geography:: New York, Brazil, South America, and Central America

Author:: Willy Lam, Drew Thompson, Cynthia Watson, and James P. Jr. Muldoon
Publication Date:: 06-2004
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: The Jamestown Foundation
Abstract:: The recent spate of articles on China's growing energy and natural resource consumption is a key explanation for Beijing's growing interest in South America. While the continent remains at least fourth on China's list of priorities, the vast array of resources available, coupled with a growing population eager to increase its consumption of goods, makes this part of the world ever more enticing. The People's Republic of China (PRC) seeks to put a modest investment in diplomatic, military, cultural, and trade relations for a possible long-term gain of significant proportion.
Topic:: International Relations, Government, and Political Economy
Political Geography:: China, Israel, Beijing, and South America

Refine your search