This month, the presidents of two South American countries proposed new ways to uncover and punish corrupt officials.

For Mexico to reach its economic potential, it needs to address the costs of rule of law, writes Americas Society Board Member Antonio Garza for the Dallas Morning News.

"There clearly is an impression that press freedoms in the Western Hemisphere are being challenged," points out COA’s Eric Farnsworth on firing of high-profile journalist Carmen Aristegui in Mexico. 

Take an interactive look at hot spots of recent and historic tension in the Western Hemisphere. 

Understand the case involving corruption in the state-run petroleum company and what’s next in the legal process.

Caracas’ mayor was jailed on conspiracy charges last week. Over half of the country’s opposition mayors face legal action since 2014 demonstrations.