Rule of Law & Anti-Corruption

Less than a year after Venezuela voted against a new constitution, Ecuador prepares for its own vote and Bolivia witnesses violent clashes in the midst of a reform process. AS/COA speaks with Latin American historian Alfonso Quiroz about the recent round of constitutional changes in the Andes and how they differ from reforms of the 1980s and 1990s.

En un artículo de opinion para El Diario/La Prensa, Christopher Sabatini de AS/COA analiza el alcance de la Iniciativa Mérida para combatir el crimen y la violencia en México. Además comenta sobre las fallas de dicha iniciativa en localizar las causas del problema de la falta de seguridad en la región.

In remarks to the American Jewish Committee, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth examines Latin American links with Iran, particularly with Venezuela. Citing evidence of activities by Hezbollah agents in South American, Farnsworth offers recommendations to counter negative influences that could lead to terrorist actions.

The dramatic rescue of Ingrid Betancourt raises speculation about who may run in Colombia’s next presidential race. Meanwhile, her release places pressure on the FARC to liberate all hostages. A recent AS/COA analysis takes a closer look at the FARC’s diminishing power.

President Felipe Calderón signed a much-anticipated reform of Mexico's judicial system, allowing for greater transparency through public trials and presumption of innocence for defendants.

Published by Jorge Pinto Books, the Spanish-language book of the AS/COA Rule of Law Working Group includes new data, graphs and other information updated from the July 2007 English-language version.

During the North American launch of the Vance Center's Pro Bono Declaration for the Americas and the introduction of the Spanish edition of AS/COA's Rule of Law Report, speakers discussed prospects and challenges to judicial reform and to cultivating a culture of pro bono work in Latin America.