The demand for lithium will increase exponentially in the coming years and the Bolivian reserve is the second largest in the world. La Paz is in search of funds and multinational firms want a piece of the action, but Bolivia’s policies could serve as a foreign investment hurdle.

Ahead of Mexico's July 5 elections, the voto en blanco movement has sparked debate by calling on voters to annul ballots in protest of the main political parties. The movement's detractors say such action threatens the country’s democracy.

A newcomer has transformed the generally staid chess match of Chilean politics into a lively three-horse race ahead of December’s presidential elections. But some suggest Marco Enríquez-Ominami short political career renders his campaign more flash than substance.

The BRIC leaders meet June 16 for their first official summit amid optimism about their economies and growing importance on the world stage. Ahead of the meeting, Brazil, China, and Russia announced substantial financing of the International Monetary Fund.

Violence in Bagua, Peru claimed dozens of lives when indigenous groups clashed with police forces because of a dispute over laws related to land and resources. Conflicting reports emerged over which side is responsible, the number of fatalities, and foreign involvement.

A São Paulo summit brought together heavyweights to talk about Brazil’s ethanol industry as well as related environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Colombia sees its own ethanol presence grow while the United States remains caught up in debate, tariffs, and subsidies.

Mauricio Funes took office this week in El Salvador, marking a historic power handover. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended, stressing the Obama administration's "new approach" to the Americas. At the OAS General Assembly in Honduras, the OAS chose to reverse a 1962 ruling that suspended Cuban membership.