South America
Latin American regional integration, democratic backsliding, and extra-regional powers' engagement.
Political Polarisation and Political Violence in Latin America
Political polarisation has risen almost everywhere over the past two decades. Does it lead to political violence? Looking at Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, this essay finds the link clearest in Brazil, where affective polarisation in the Bolsonaro era culminated in the 8 January riots and a coup co…
An Institutional and Regulatory Analysis of the COSCO-OSITRAN Case at the Port of Chancay
This study examines the regulatory conflict between Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay Perú and OSITRAN through institutional fragmentation, regulatory capacity, and regulatory enclaves. It finds that unclear regulatory powers and legal gaps generated disputes over exclusivity, tariffs, and supervision…
How Will Cuba Respond to Growing U.S. Military Pressure?
Following growing U.S. military pressure in 2026, Cuba faces a widening gap between its conventional capabilities and the demands of defending the island. While Havana relies on territorial defence, military dispersal, and external support, questions remain over whether these measures can preserv…
The World Cup, the Institution and the Ghosts of Blanqueamiento
Following high-profile incidents of racism during the 2026 World Cup and the state-level dissolution of anti-discrimination protections under Javier Milei, this briefing explores the deep ties between everyday xenophobia and institutional retrenchment in Argentina. It argues that both registers r…
Fishing the Line: Why China’s Fleet off Peru Is a Governance Problem
Operating just outside Peru’s Exclusive Economic Zone, China’s massive distant-water squid fleet is frequently condemned for illegal fishing and violated sovereignty. This article argues that the fleet is actually a symptom of a structural governance gap on the high seas, demonstrating why enforc…
Bolivia’s Lithium Strategy After Elections: Nationalism or Dependence?
Following the 2025 elections, Bolivia stands at a critical juncture in developing its massive lithium reserves. While the new government pursues a market-oriented model and an open Investment Law to attract foreign capital and overcome historical production delays, serious questions remain over e…
How Long Can the Venezuela Government Survive on US Backing Alone?
One month after Venezuela’s devastating double earthquake, the country faces both humanitarian tragedy and political uncertainty. This article explores how the disaster has exposed the fragility of Venezuela’s institutions, and raised new questions about the country’s future