WORLD POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS

In the US, the positive employment data pushed markets up within a context where uncertainty continues over the mortgage crisis and oil falls below 80 dollars again. The British Premier, Gordon Brown, dismissed the idea of holding earlier elections and announced the cut by half of troops in Iraq by March, and that he might support an attack against Iran.

LATIN AMERICAN POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Hugo Chavez was defeated in the referendum, while simultaneously, Vladimir Putin obtained a landslide electoral victory in Russia. Venezuelan President’s radicalization –which has been increasingly drastic since his last election– has sparked off a reaction in the society, and the victory of the ‘no’ vote has an important regional impact, weakening his allies and strengthening Brazil.

ARGENTINE POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cristina Kirchner's visit to Brasilia confirms the president elect entails a drastic change in the diplomatic style compared to her husband but not a different foreign policy. The economic policy and the relationship with unions won't have deep chances and the Social Pact fuels the role of the CGT...

Politics in Latin America

• Chile: On the threshold of a developed country. By M. P. Stable
• "7 questions: Mexico’s Presidential Race" (Foreign Policy)
• The British newspapers and the visit of Chávez. Sam Sawers
• Gangs undermine security, democracy. By M. Perez-Stable
• Evo Morales and the Bolivian Foreign Policy. By Sam Sawers
• Economic growth and social stagnation. By Tiago Aragão
• Washington Losing Latin America?. By Peter Hakim
• The Armed Forces roll in Latin America. By Rosendo Fraga
• Intelligence-led Counter-terrorism. By Frank Gregory