Negative attitudes toward homosexuals in politics persist—even among the young.

As the Rio Group discusses another regional initiative, the future of an earlier one—Banco del Sur—is still unclear.

"As long as young political leaders committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom and equal access to opportunities remain on the sidelines, we'll never progress," writes Julio Rank Wright of the Executive National Council of El Salvador's ARENA party, in the Winter 2010 issue of Americas Quarterly.

"With innovation, developing countries can find new ways to compete. But getting there requires improving citizens' access to information," writes Sebastián Mendoza Garrido, chief strategy officer for Panama's Container Consultants & Systems, in the Winter 2010 issue of Americas Quarterly.

"If we are able to influence public opinion through media outlets we will be able to overcome the black community's traditional lack of political voice," writes Paulo Rogério, founder of Brazil-based Instituto Mídia Étnica, in the Winter 2010 issue of Americas Quarterly.

Released on February 17, the new issue of Americas Quarterly features 29 essays by young business entrepreneurs, social activists, and political and civic leaders from across the Americas on their demands, challenges, visions, and how they represent a change from the past.

A moderate leftist president seeks a new way to rule a traditionally polarized country, where moderate options have often failed.