战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Highlights-Volume-IX-Issue-9_6页_321kb

报告摘要

HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS: Summary

Core Content Overview

This document provides a summary of significant political and social events in several Latin American countries during November 2010, highlighting issues related to climate change, elections, border disputes, judicial reforms, diplomatic relations, and migration trends.

Main Events and Key Information

1. Mexico: UN Climate Change Conference in Cancún

Event: Mexico hosts COP 16 and the 6th session of the Kyoto Protocol from November 29 to December 10 in Cancún.
Participants: Over 190 countries and 15,000 scientists, activists, and advocates are expected to attend.
Goals: To achieve consensus on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and technology development.
Context: Following the failure of COP 15 in Copenhagen, hopes are high for progress in Cancún.
Mexico's Role: President Felipe Calderon emphasized the compatibility of economic development and climate action, urging investment in a global "Green Fund."
Domestic Efforts: Mexico's communal land management policies have been praised for reducing deforestation, which contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Haiti: Presidential and Legislative Elections

Event: Elections held on November 28, marked by irregularities.
International Response: Observers deemed the elections imperfect but fair, with only 4% of voting sites disrupted.
Candidate Reactions: 12 of 19 presidential candidates called the elections fraudulent, but two leading candidates later supported counting the votes.
Challenges: Despite the earthquake in 2010 and a cholera epidemic, the election was organized.
Long-Term Outlook: The election is a step toward rebuilding the state, but Haiti's "winner takes all" politics remain a challenge. A more inclusive governance structure is needed for long-term stability.

3. Costa Rica/Nicaragua: Border Dispute

Event: Tension escalated along the San Juan River border.
Dispute: Nicaragua occupied part of Costa Rican territory in early November, citing an erroneous map.
Economic and Environmental Concerns: Costa Rica claims Nicaragua's dredging of the river violates its sovereignty and harms the ecosystem.
International Response: The Organization of American States (OAS) urged both countries to engage in urgent talks and withdraw security forces.
Legal Action: Costa Rica has filed a case against Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

4. Colombia: Judicial Conflicts and Reconciliation

Event: Former President Alvaro Uribe continued to clash with the Colombian Supreme Court.
Allegations: Uribe's aides are under investigation for illegal wiretapping of the court, and a former interior minister is accused of trading political favors for votes.
Current President: Juan Manuel Santos has sought to reconcile with the judiciary, and the court has agreed to select the head of the fiscalia from Santos's nominees.
Historical Context: The judiciary was weakened in the 1980s by drug-related violence and corruption, but reforms in 1991 and accusatory procedures have improved its standing.

5. Ecuador and Colombia: Reestablishing Diplomatic Ties

Event: Colombia and Ecuador agreed to restore full diplomatic relations at the UNASUR summit in Georgetown.
Reason: The previous break in 2008 was due to a Colombian military operation in Ecuadorian territory.
Reconciliation Efforts: President Santos received a congratulatory call from Ecuador's President Correa, signaling a positive shift.
Future Steps: Both countries will appoint new ambassadors before December 24.

6. Brazil: Drug War and Emigration Trends

Drug War: Brazil is intensifying its anti-drug efforts, including military operations in Rio's favelas and a $350 million drone initiative with neighboring countries.
Emigration: Despite economic growth and job creation, Brazil saw an increase in emigration. Over 2.4 million jobs were created in 2010, yet 90,000 Brazilians left the country in 2009.
Migration Patterns: Emigration trends have shifted from the U.S. to Europe and Central America, possibly as a route to the U.S.
Remittances: Remittances from abroad increased to $1.4 billion by August 2010, showing economic ties remain strong.

7. Bolivia: Church-State Tensions

Event: Tensions between President Evo Morales and the Catholic Church were heightened in November.
Church Concerns: The Council of Bishops criticized the government for formal democracy, drug trafficking, and coca cultivation.
Government Response: Morales accused the Church of supporting the old order and being a U.S. agent.
Coca Growers' Reaction: The Bishop of Cochabamba, Tito Solari, faced backlash from coca growers for accusing them of drug trafficking.
Legal Threats: The government threatened to suspend tax privileges for religious organizations, including the Church.
Historical Context: The Church previously held significant political influence, but the 2009 constitution reduced its status. Recent tensions suggest a growing divide.

Summary of Key Themes

Climate Change: Mexico is a key player in international climate negotiations, emphasizing the need for a global "Green Fund" and showcasing sustainable land management practices.
Elections and Democracy: Haiti's elections were flawed but proceeded, highlighting the need for inclusive governance. Bolivia's tensions with the Church underscore the fragility of democratic institutions.
Diplomatic Relations: Colombia and Ecuador are restoring diplomatic ties, while Brazil is taking a more assertive stance in the drug war.
Emigration: Brazil's emigration continues despite economic growth, driven by the pursuit of higher incomes and security concerns.
Judicial and Political Reforms: Colombia's judicial system is undergoing reforms, and Brazil is shifting from a purely social approach to a more direct one in addressing drug-related issues.