Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has stepped out of her predecessor’s shadow and proven herself as a leader. But what challenges lie ahead in 2012?

The debate over Venezuelan membership continued to spark political wrangling at this week’s Mercosur summit. Will Mercosur's members bypass Paraguay to let Caracas in?

AS/COA previews major events and key players in the coming year. Crucial elections are taking place in the Americas in 2012, as well as important global summits.