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.

On January 8, President Michele Bachelet reshuffled her cabinet for the third time during her tenure in office. The latest change draws experienced appointees into the fold and seeks to heal rifts in the governing coalition.

Chile is a competitive alternative to India for information technology services, according to speakers at a recent program co-hosted with the Chilean Economic Development Agency.

Robert Gates made his first trip to Latin America as U.S. defense secretary, beginning his five-country tour in El Salvador. The secretary's itinerary included stops in Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Suriname to focus on Washington's security ties in the region. A recent editorial co-authored by COA's Eric Farnsworth examines trade policy as a way to boost U.S.-Latin American relations.