On February 9, AS/COA hosted a panel discussion about the upcoming Venezuelan referendum and its implications on public opinion, economic impact, and constitutional implications.

Eurasia Group’s Patrick Esteruelas talks about how the plummeting price of oil affects Venezuela’s economy and regional diplomacy. “By all accounts, Venezuela is destroying assets much more quickly than it’s been building them,” he says.

Voters in Bolivia and Venezuela weigh in on their political futures. Bolivians voted in favor of a new constitution and Venezuelans soon determine whether their president can seek indefinite reelection.

President Hugo Chávez has decided to sustain an international fuel assistance program for low-income Americans. But dropping oil prices could force his government to feel the economic pinch and slow international oil diplomacy efforts.

As the 50-year anniversary for the Cuban Revolution nears, Raúl Castro makes his first state visits abroad. His statements at a regional summit raise speculation about future relations with Washington and what mediating role Brazil could play.

In El Diario/La Prensa, Christopher Sabatini writes that the media inflated South America's leftward shift. Instead, election outcomes reflect the desire for pragmatic change similar to the one shown by the choice of Barack Obama for U.S. president. (en español)

President Hugo Chávez and his Colombian counterpart Álvaro Uribe may each seek reelection. Both command high approval ratings but face possible political and economic challenges in the coming year.