A Colombian strike against the FARC in Ecuador ignited tensions with Quito and Caracas, causing a diplomatic breakdown and economic repercussions.

With a new leader in Argentina and Venezuela’s Mercosur membership hanging like a question mark, South American presidents gathered in Montevideo December 18. The summit comes as the organization signs a trade pact with Israel, the bloc’s first free-trade agreement, and with troubles brewing among some partners.

In the latest edition of Poder magazine, COA's Eric Farnsworth and Monica Guevara take a look at how Canada is expanding its reach and influence in Latin America at a time when the U.S. political establishment is divided over hemispheric priorities.

Chile, Mexico, and Peru are among the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum members that met at the annual meeting. What was achieved in Australia and how will Peru manage its role as the next APEC Summit host? 

Presidents of the Americas joined world leaders for the annual UN General Assembly (UNGA). Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened debate, calling for a 2012 environmental conference in Rio. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet made the case for her nation to hold a UN Human Rights Council seat and President Evo Morales of Bolivia proposed the UN convene a forum for indigenous peoples. AS/COA hosted several Latin American leaders, including Bachelet and Morales, during the week of UNGA.

During an August summit of North American leaders in Canada, the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)—a trilateral council of business leaders representing the private sectors of Canada, Mexico, and the United States—offered recommendations on border-crossing facilitation, standards and regulatory cooperation, and energy integration. To download the report, click here. For more about the NACC, click here.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent trip to Latin America signaled Canada’s commitment to promoting stability in the region through trade and investment. Canada serves as a model for Latin American countries with newly-elected leaders but fragile institutions.