战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Highlights,-Volume-VIII,-Issue-4_7页_154kb

HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS Summary

Core Content Overview

This document provides a comprehensive overview of political, economic, and social developments in the Americas during April 2009. It highlights key upcoming events, regional news, and specific country updates, emphasizing the impact of the global financial crisis, public health challenges, and political maneuvering on the continent.

Upcoming Events

• Cuba Outlook Series 5: "Social Factors in Cuba" – May 8, 10:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
• Smart Power Approach to the United Nations: May 11, 2:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.
• Outlook for Venezuela's Economy: May 22, 10:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.

Headlines

• The Fifth Summit of the Americas was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, and was considered a moderate success.
• Canada announced the creation of a Canadian International Center for the Arctic Region in Oslo, Norway, to strengthen its influence on Arctic issues.
• Mexico faced a severe H1N1 influenza outbreak, which led to global health concerns and travel restrictions.
• Haiti received additional financial support for reconstruction following hurricanes in 2008, despite economic challenges.
• Venezuela and its ALBA allies proposed the creation of a new regional currency, the Sucre, aimed at reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar.
• Ecuador launched a national anti-crisis strategy to combat rising unemployment.
• Paraguay's president, Fernando Lugo, faced paternity allegations, which have affected his political standing.
• Argentina is preparing for congressional elections on June 28, with former president Néstor Kirchner attempting to influence the outcome through testimonial candidacies.

Regional Developments

North America

• Canada reaffirmed its leadership in Arctic affairs, with the establishment of the Canadian International Center for the Arctic Region.
• The Arctic Council held its sixth ministerial meeting in Norway, focusing on environmental issues, including climate change and marine safety.
• Environmental protection was a shared priority between Canada and the U.S., despite disagreements on trade routes.
• Mexico experienced a H1N1 influenza outbreak, leading to health measures, economic challenges, and international collaboration.
• The World Bank pledged $205 million to assist Mexico in controlling the outbreak.

Caribbean

• Haiti received $57 million from the U.S. to support reconstruction, although local elections showed low voter turnout and political tension.
• The Haitian Electoral Council faced criticism for excluding opposition candidates from the ballot.
• U.S. support for Haiti has increased under the Obama administration, with a focus on improving the country's governance and reducing the deportation of Haitians.

South America

• Venezuela and its ALBA partners announced the Sucre, a new regional currency, to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. The currency will be tested in September 2009.
• Venezuela's government replaced opposition leaders with Chávez loyalists, indicating a continued effort to consolidate power.
• Ecuador announced a $200 million job creation plan and aims to increase subsidies and salaries. However, criticism from the private sector suggests that the approach may not be effective.
• Paraguay's president, Fernando Lugo, faces paternity claims, which have led to a slight drop in approval ratings and potential political stalemate.

Key Issues and Trends

• Regional cooperation remains a key theme, with efforts to address common challenges such as public health, economic crises, and environmental protection.
• Political dynamics are complex, with authoritarian tendencies in Venezuela, opposition strategies in Argentina, and ethical controversies in Paraguay.
• Economic challenges are widespread, particularly due to the global financial crisis, affecting countries like Mexico and Ecuador.
• Environmental policy is increasingly seen as a non-political issue that can build consensus, especially in the Arctic region.
• Institutional credibility is under pressure in several countries, including Argentina and Haiti, due to political maneuvering and public distrust.

Contributing Authors

The summary is authored by a team of experts from the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), including:

• Peter DeShazo – Director, Americas Program
• Katherine E. Bliss – Deputy Director and Senior Fellow
• Johanna Mendelson Forman – Senior Associate
• Carlos M. Regúnaga – Director, Argentina Office
• Jessica Horwitz – Program Coordinator
• Mariel Caille – Intern-Scholar
• Thomas Cook – Intern-Scholar
• John Mulqueen – Intern-Scholar

Conclusion

The document underscores the ongoing challenges and dynamics in the Americas, highlighting the interplay between political strategies, economic policies, and public health crises. It also emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and institutional reform in addressing these issues.