As Barack Obama prepares for his second term as president of the United States, he is faced with a series of issues pertaining to Latin America, a major regional trading partner and hemispheric neighbour.

With the political opposition in a state of disarray, it is Kirchnerism itself which is proving to be a headache for the government.

The government has been criticised both at home and abroad for imposing strict restrictions on imports. Is turning away from free trade the key for local industry or an economic own goal? Marc Rogers reports.

As Venezuelans get ready to elect their president for the next six years, David Hutt analyses the possible impact of the election results in the ALBA countries of Central America.

The release of US citizen Jason Puracal after two years of wrongful imprisonment in Nicaragua has put an unflattering spotlight on the country’s justice system. David Hutt reports.

As Federico Franco completes 100 days since taking over the presidency after Fernando Lugo’s impeachment, Guillermo Adrián D’Angelo reflects on the political lessons learned so far in Paraguay.

Guillermo Adrián D´Angelo takes a look at the little-known Chaco War fought between Paraguay and Bolivia, two of the region’s poorest countries, 80 years ago.

In Argentina’s highly polarised political landscape, Celina Andreassi analyses the implications of a weak opposition and a powerful media.

Argentine journalist and chief editor of Nueva Sociedad magazine, Pablo Stefanoni analyses the factors that conditioned Fernando Lugo’s presidency, and that eventually led to his impeachment.

Monetary sovereignty or the prelude to another crisis? Marc Rogers analyses the controversy surrounding the government’s new currency controls.