A Brazilian delegation headed to Beijing this week to sign over a dozen deals, including a $10 billion energy pact. In recent weeks, new trade figures show China surpassed the United States as Brazil's main trading partner. The two countries also began investigating whether to drop the dollar as their bilateral trading currency.

President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad canceled his trip this week to Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Still, Tehran's deepening ties raise questions about Iranian relations with Latin America.

Leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico will deliver messages against protectionism and in support of financial reforms during the April 2 summit in London. An AS/COA News Analysis examines what proposals each country brings to the G20 summit.

Former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso shares nine tips for policymakers facing the financial crisis.

COA’s Director of Energy Policy Nicole Spencer says building a hemispheric energy partnership would be “smart politics” for the Obama administration. Cooperation on energy and climate change issues now could pave the way for enhanced regional relations.

As his country gains global influence, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva brought his warnings against protectionism to the White House. Trade, energy, and hemispheric relations were the topics that dominated the meeting with U.S. leader Barack Obama.

As violence related to organized crime takes its toll in Mexico, the debate deepens over hemispheric drug policy. Proposals on the table range from stepped-up security cooperation to drug decriminalization. Meanwhile, Washington announced widespread arrests of suspects linked to Mexican cartels.