In an interview with the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas released on May 16, the former President of Brazil, F.H. Cardoso, focused on the region-wide reform agenda and analyzed the state of democracy in the region. “Populism is a threat that we ignore at our own peril.” The interview coincided with his recent book signing event at our New York office.

With Iraq and other priorities competing for the attention of U.S. policymakers, the question of Bolivia is overlooked. But, situated in the heart of South America, with the second-largest natural gas reserves in the Western Hemisphere, Bolivia's unsettled course bears close watch.

In the end, elections in the hemisphere will produce governments with which the US will share more in common than not. The trick will be to remain engaged with those governments as they tackle the difficult problems of addressing structural poverty, exclusion, and inequality with respect for democratic institutions and rights.

Speaking at the 35th Washington Conference on the Americas, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, discusses the connection between security and economic growth. Rumsfeld explains the steps that have been taken throughout the Americas to combat criminal activities that weaken security and accordingly weaken the economy.

By electing Mr. Berger, Guatemalans voted for their future, not their past. Now is the time for the United States to come alongside Guatemalans and do the same.

Trade is not a panacea, but it remains the best tool we have to support economic growth, democracy, and a new strategic partnership in the hemisphere.