While world attention focuses on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's war of words with Colombia and Spain, Venezuelans prepare to vote on a constitutional referendum that could allow Chavez to hold office indefinitely. Polls indicate the outcome of Sunday's vote remains uncertain. AS/COA’s Latin America Conference featured a discussion panel on the referendum.

Chances appeared strong for resolving a pulp mill dispute between Argentina and Uruguay weeks ago. By November's end, Montevideo closed bridges linking the countries while Argentines protested. An AS/COA update examines challenges for Argentina's next President Cristina Kirchner.

A December deadline requiring Mexico to eliminate tariffs against Chinese products could bring more of the Asian giant’s goods to Mexican markets—and open doors for business cooperation. In a recent CNBC interview, AS/COA President Susan Segal discussed prospects for deepening Asian-Latin American relations.

A discovery of oil reserves could bring Brazil into the fold of the world's major oil exporters, but challenges lie ahead. A hemispheric update examines the Brazilian model of energy security. Panelists at an AS/COA conference in São Paulo discussed Brazil’s goals for boosting its energy supply.

In the Southern Cone and Antarctica, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called climate change "an emergency." But controversy continues over UN statements about biofuels as a threat to food production. A Viewpoints Americas article urges solutions to promote agricultural sustainability.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Peru Trade pact Thursday by a wide margin, paving the way for the Senate to approve the deal. A new AS/COA update outlines the house's approval.

Brazil intends to hike its 2008 military budget to strengthen its defense industry, but some worry about a regional arms race. The new issue of Americas Quarterly examines security in Latin America.