On August 9 and 10 Mexican President Felipe Calderón hosts the North American Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara. Talks are expected to focus on economic recovery, trade, and security. The North American Competitiveness Council recommends solutions to policymakers’ concerns about security, protectionism, and climate change.

Since its creation, the Inter-American system of human rights has exceeded its founders’ expectations. But can it evolve to address the new challenges facing the Americas? Read a feature by Santiago Canton from the Summer 2009 issue of Americas Quarterly.

A stalemate continued after the interim government prevented deposed President Manuel Zelaya from landing his plane in Tegucigalpa. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Zelaya and confirmed that Costa Rican President Óscar Arias agreed to mediate with hopes for a solution.

Americas Society is pleased to announce its 2009 Gold Medal recipients, honored June 15 at its Twenty-Ninth Annual Spring Party: Roger Agnelli, Alberto Baillères, and Luis Alberto Moreno.

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.

An OAS task force will examine proposals, including one from Washington, which could pave the way for Havana to rejoin the OAS. But the Obama administration has indicated that Cuba must adhere to democratic principles before gaining readmission.

Speaking at COA's 39th Washington Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recognized that democratic elections are now the norm in the Western Hemisphere and argued that the next step is to address social inequality.