In the latest Americas Quarterly: Memos to the President-Elect, President Michelle Bachelet of Chile says "The world is ripe for a renewed and strengthened multilateralism, and the support of the U.S. will be decisive."

At a time of global economic challenges such as rising energy prices and inflation growth, AS/COA brought together public and private sector leaders for its annual conference in Santiago de Chile on August 6. Speakers emphasized Chile's ability to attract foreign investment but warned of inflation risks.

Speaking at AS/COA's annual Latin American Cities Conference in Santiago, Chilean Minister of Finance Andrés Velasco presented a strong outlook of Chile's economy despite a global economic slowdown. Velasco also recommended fiscal prudence to fight inflation.

Ahead of the October municipal elections, Chile’s two main political coalitions are showing signs of internal conflict. Divisions in the Concertación and Alianza camps could have large consequences for the 2009 presidential race. 

In recent weeks, Ottawa proved its growing clout in Latin America through a visit from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the approval of a trade pact with Peru, and completion of free-trade negotiations with Colombia. 

AS/COA hosted Steve Reifenberg, author of a new memoir Santiago's Children covering his time working at a Chilean orphanage in the 1980s, at a panel discussion about the political and economic scenario in Chile from the early 1980s through a period of political reconciliation.

Pablo Bachelet reviews a personal and moving account by Steve Reifenberg of his time in Chile during the Pinochet years.