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

While illegal immigration draws attention in U.S. public debate, smuggling of arms into Mexico fails to gain the same notice. As the related death toll rises in Mexico, new U.S.-Mexican cooperation hopes to control the illegal weapons flow.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón emerged as a sure-footed leader during his first year in office, meeting challenges ranging from organized crime to a deadlocked legislature to a natural disaster. Now that the honeymoon period is over, how will he fare in 2008? An AS/COA update takes a look at what Calderón achieved and the tests he'll face next.

Brazil intends to hike its 2008 military budget to strengthen its defense industry, but some worry about a regional arms race. The new issue of Americas Quarterly examines security in Latin America.

The head of U.S. Southern Command assesses the unconventional security threats facing the region, ranging from narcotics and gang violence to terrorism. The solution, he argues in the new issue of Americas Quarterly, is hemisphere-wide cooperation.

COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth writes that Iran's deepening ties with some Latin American nations could have destabilizing consequences. But he emphasizes that Iran's foray into the Americas serves as an opportunity for nations of the Western Hemisphere to work together in support of democratic principles.

Washington and Mexico launched a new security pact  to stem drug smuggling and related violence. U.S. Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns, hosted by AS/COA, called crime "the single greatest obstacle" to progress in Mexico and Central America. The upcoming issue of Americas Quarterly examines security. View a preview of contents.