Facing a global financial crisis, 21 leaders met in Lima to caution against protectionism and call for resumption of the Doha Round of trade talks. The APEC summit also served as U.S. President George W. Bush's last scheduled trip abroad, where he pressed for “free markets, free trade, and free people.”

McLarty Associates Managing Director Kellie Meiman writes, "If Brazil can come into its own as a true pragmatic stakeholder in the global economy and international institutions at the same time that the United States reemerges as a champion of multilateralism, there is much our countries can achieve together."

With a political transition in progress, the Bush administration continues to urge passage of the  U.S.-Colombia trade pact. But whether the deal will gain congressional approval during a lame-duck session remains in doubt.

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno joined the Brazilian and Mexican ambassadors and two additional AQ contributors to launch the Fall issue at a program focusing on the possibilities for reengagement with the region.

At a time when ethanol production faces the effects of the global credit crunch, questions arise about how Latin America and a new U.S. administration will cooperate in the field of biofuels.

Toronto Star columnist James Travers says the President-elect should reinvigorate ties with Ottawa, and that "Canada can make life easier for the next U.S. President by advancing an agenda serving mutual interests."

A recent event hosted by AS/COA and the Canadian Consul General examined how our changing societies are affecting public policy.