All Latin America Monitor

Ecuador heads to the polls on Sunday to pick a new president. The incumbent, President Rafael Correa, will not be running again – at least not this time.

Graft in Brazilian politics is losing its aura of impunity, particularly in light of the far-reaching Car Wash investigation. Can momentum be maintained?

One of the most vulnerable regions when it comes to the effects of climate change, Latin America is increasingly leading global efforts to transition to renewable energy sources.

The demise of Latin America's 'pink tide' of socialism has been much discussed in recent years. But there is no seismic shift back to the days of right-wing dominance; the truth is more nuanced.

Colombia's 50-year conflict has been far more complex than a struggle between government forces and the FARC. By opening peace talks with the second-largest rebel group, the country takes a step closer to lasting peace.

John Kerry, secretary of State under Barack Obama, declared the Monroe Doctrine to be over. It seems already to be experiencing a resurgence under President Trump.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has established a criminal and financial network across the region, and while the US has taken steps to disrupt these resources in the past, more needs to be done.

Substantive progress is already being made in implementing the accords, but if the United States dials back its assistance, that trend could diminish, even reverse. It is in the interests of both countries not to let that happen.

Some observers and policymakers suggest there is, but a cold look at the facts suggests fears may be overblown. Whatever the case, a nuanced approach to diplomacy will be required to build partnerships capable of thwarting any terrorist ambitions.

Brazil's prisons are regulated as much by gangs as by guards, and the recent wave of murders will likely subside as the latest dispute between rival groups dies down.

At the beginning of 2016, there seemed such promise for opposition politicians in Venezuela, but little was achieved. Can 2017 be different?

If recent rhetoric is anything to go by, change is afoot in the relationship between Mexico and the United States. But when they do sit down, what issues will Mexico want to discuss?

Since 2009, the country has seen a consistent decline in its homicide rate. While work remains to be done, the success so far should not be overlooked.

Many issues of concern need to be addressed by the United Nations – not least how to give the region greater representation in the roster of secretaries-general.

Changes to Mexican law have sought to promote participation of indigenous women in politics – but they have stirred opposition, not least from the very people they seek to help.

It's hard to know what direction US-Cuba relations will take once Donald Trump is in the White House, but Cubans are already contemplating the consequences of a reversal of President Obama's normalization process.

Over the coming 24 months, a host of Latin American nations are slated to elect their leaders. The outcome of many of these races is far from certain.

In the two years since a restoration of diplomatic ties was first announced, great strides have been made in normalizing relations. That trajectory benefits – and is supported by – a wide array of people.

With the United States likely to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and China looking to step into the breach, Latin America's changing relations with world powers could reflect a broader shift.

In 1814, Paraguay's soon-to-be dictator introduced a law forbidding reproduction among the white elite. Whatever his motives, it produced an "exceptionally egalitarian" society.