What a paradox! Never has the Hispanic vote been more influential in a U.S. election than in 2008—and never has the U.S. had less regional influence than today. That said, 200 years of history and a rising regional power (Brazil) present you, Mr. President-elect, with a unique opportunity to build a new relationship of solidarity with the region on everything from energy, aid and commerce, to security and migration. Read the full article in the Fall 2008 issue of Americas Quarterly.

A private luncheon was hosted at the Americas Society/Council of the Americas New York headquarters on October 28 in honor of the President of the Federal Supreme Court of Brazil Minister Gilmar Mendes.

Voters in Brazil and Mexico turned out for local elections Sunday. Brazil's Worker's Party, buoyed by the president's popularity, made nationwide gains while in Mexico the Institutional Revolutionary Party won legislative seats and mayoralties. Security was a top concern on election day in both countries.

Longstanding Latin American goals for integration come to fruition as governments across the region sign deals for infrastructure projects. The pacts provide new opportunities to link coasts, deepen energy cooperation, and support transportation initiatives.

Wall Street's September 29 tumble sent shockwaves through Latin American markets, which saw recovery on Tuesday. Officials in several countries, particularly Brazil, maintain that their economies stand better prepared for crisis than in the past as a result of lower public debt and diversification of export markets.

In Poder, COA’s Eric Fansworth says Brazil "can no longer be taken for granted." He urges for the next U.S. administration to work with the emerging global power on matters ranging from trade negotiations to Iran's nuclear program to energy security.