Dr. Yasmin Calmet

On Tuesday, 6 November, American citizens went to the polls to elect a new president. Donald Trump’s victory for a second presidential term raises questions about possible scenarios for how Trump might address a range of political issues requiring the US president’s attention. Key issues include the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars, immigration, future US relations with countries with different political ideologies, and the potential that Trump’s election might encourage the rise or return of radical right-wing figures in Latin America.

Potential Implications for U.S. Policy on Latin America

Trump’s Second Term:

On October 27, Uruguay held presidential and legislative elections. Yamandú Orsi of the center-left Broad Front (Frente Amplio) and Álvaro Delgado from the center-right National Party advanced to a runoff after neither candidate reached the 50% threshold in the first round. Orsi led with approximately 46% of the vote, while Delgado followed with about 28%. 

How Uruguay’s Presidential Elections Can Shape New Policies

A Decisive Result:

Latin American political systems have long been plagued by structural issues like patrimonialism, clientelism, fragile institutions, and volatile political parties. These challenges have ignited continuous debate on how to best reform these systems and uphold democratic values such as the balance of powers, justice, and respect for fundamental rights.

How Recent Judicial Reforms Threaten Democracy in Latin America

The Fragile Balance of Power:

Public health in Amazonian communities faces complex challenges that go beyond environmental issues. The region suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure, exacerbated by long distances and geographical isolation. This reality, combined with the precariousness of healthcare services, directly impacts the human development of local populations, especially indigenous peoples, who deal with high rates of preventable diseases and mortality.

Understanding the Magnitude of Healthcare Deterioration in Amazonia

Cross-Border Crisis:

In a context of uncertainty about the possibility of holding elections in Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has tried to show that the country maintains a democratic system. However, his recent statements have generated controversy and discomfort in the international political system. In one of his recent speeches, Maduro stated that if the opposition won the elections, the country would face a "bloodbath" and a "civil war." These statements, widely reported by the international press, cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process and provoked tensions with one of his main political allies, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Understanding the Growing Strain in Venezuela-Brazil Relations

Political Tension:

The recent elections in Venezuela have unveiled a pressing political scenario, sparking uncertainties about the country's future. This context underscores the urgent need to address issues related to the guarantee of human rights, particularly political and economic rights, and emphasizes the growing fragility in relations between countries in the Latin American region.

What Are the Political Consequences of Maduro's Third Term?

Escalating Turmoil:

Latin America currently faces numerous challenges. The recent coup attempt in Bolivia took place amidst other regional uncertainties about where democracies are headed, political tensions between countries, electoral controversies, and structural problems.

How Bolivia's Coup Attempt Reflects Regional Instability

Latin America Security:

Mexico’s recent elections on 2 June marked a significant political milestone as Claudia Sheinbaum became the country’s new president. Her victory will provide continuity with the plans of the outgoing AMLO government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador but is also a major step forward for gender representation in a country with deeply-rooted machismo.

What Does Sheinbaum’s Win Reveal About Mexico’s Political Future?

Historic Victory:

Peru is among the countries in Latin America that have experienced a series of political developments that could threaten the stability of their democratic system. Over the past ten years, Peru has had six presidents, only two of whom were democratically elected, while three were impeached, and one was forced to resign due to popular pressure. The current situation in 2024 is no exception, as political instability seems to have become the norm in Peru. In the past two months, there have been allegations of illicit enrichment against President Boluarte and mass resignations of the ministers of education, the interior, agrarian development and irrigation, foreign trade and tourism, and women’s affairs. There have been violations of the constitution committed by both Congress and the judiciary, while the government also refused to release data on poverty rates.

Dr. Yasmin Calmet

Dr. Yasmin Calmet

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