战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Insider-Volume-I-Issue-1_4页_617kb

HEMISPHERE INSIDER Summary

Core Content

This issue of Hemisphere Insider (formerly Hemisphere Highlights) provides an overview of political, economic, and social developments in Latin America and the Caribbean during March 2011. It focuses on U.S. President Barack Obama's diplomatic trip to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador, as well as updates on key regional issues such as Mexico's security challenges, Cuba's political prisoners, Haiti's elections, and energy projects in South America.

Main Points

U.S. President Obama's Latin America Trip

• Purpose and Significance: The trip, involving over 400 people, was intended to strengthen U.S. ties with Latin American countries and showcase Obama's leadership.
• Outcomes:
  • Brazil: Agreed on a U.S.-Brazil plan for racial and ethnic equality, education exchanges, and renewable energy cooperation.
  • Chile: Secured commitments on trade and exchanges.
  • El Salvador: Vowed to enhance counternarcotics aid and support U.S. immigration reform.
• Disappointments:
  • No progress on visa waivers for Brazil and Chile.
  • U.S. agricultural subsidies and ethanol tariffs remained unresolved.
  • Obama hesitated to support U.S.-Colombia and Panama free trade agreements, despite his pro-trade rhetoric.
  • No clear strategy was outlined to combat drug trafficking.

Regional Developments

Mexico

• Security Challenges: The death of ICE agent Jaime Zapata in February highlighted Mexico's ongoing struggle with border violence.
• Criminal Justice Reforms: Efforts to improve public security include oral trials, police training, and tools to combat organized crime, but only 13 out of 32 states have implemented these reforms.
• U.S. Aid: Obama requested $334 million in additional aid, including $282 million for the Mérida Initiative, but only $500 million of the $1.4 billion authorized has been delivered.

Cuba

• Political Prisoner Release: Oscar Elias Biscet, an Afro-Cuban physician and human rights activist, was released as part of a broader release of 52 political prisoners.
• Background: Biscet was a prominent figure in Cuba's human rights movement and was detained in 2003 during the "Black Spring" crackdown.
• International Recognition: Biscet was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and previously received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in absentia.

Haiti Elections

• Runoff Election: Conducted on March 21, the election was orderly and peaceful, with Michel Martelly leading Mirlande Manigat.
• International Support: A fair election and peaceful transfer of power are critical for unlocking $10 billion in pledged aid.
• Concerns: The return of two controversial former presidents could disrupt the process.

Colombia

• FTA Delays: The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement remains pending in Congress, despite support from Colombia's legislature and court.
• Economic Benefits: The FTA would eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly benefiting agriculture.
• China's Involvement: Colombia and China plan to build a "dry-canal" rail line to bypass the Panama Canal, potentially boosting trade and investment.

Venezuela

• Protests and Dissent: University students staged hunger strikes to protest government policies and lack of funding for public universities.
• Economic Struggles: A predicted 0.5% drop in GDP growth if current policies persist.
• Public Support: Only a third of Venezuelans support President Chávez, but his oil wealth provides stability.
• Regional Risks: Protests and economic instability could lead to public unrest, especially if the situation worsens.

Energy Projects

• Uruguay and Argentina: Signed an agreement to build a joint regasification plant in Uruguay to meet LNG needs, with a projected capacity of 10 million cubic meters per day.
• China's Energy Strategy: China is increasing its investments in Latin American energy resources, including a recent acquisition in Argentina.
• Regional Competition: China's growing influence in the region challenges traditional U.S. and European dominance.

Key Information

• Obama's Trip: Symbolic but lacking concrete results, highlighting the need for a coherent strategy.
• Mexico's Security: Public confidence in the justice system is low, and reforms are slow.
• Cuba's Human Rights: The release of Biscet reflects ongoing tensions and the regime's selective approach to prisoner releases.
• Haiti's Political Transition: A peaceful transfer of power is essential for long-term stability and international aid.
• Colombia's Trade and Infrastructure: The FTA with the U.S. remains stalled, while the "dry-canal" project aims to boost trade with China.
• Venezuela's Political and Economic Challenges: Protests and economic decline may threaten Chávez's leadership.
• Energy Trends: South American countries are increasingly investing in LNG infrastructure, with China playing a significant role.

Contributors

• Stephen Johnson – Director
• Johanna Mendelson Forman – Senior Associate
• Caitlin Watson – Program Coordinator
• Andrés Blanco – Intern-Scholar
• Patricia Kehoe – Intern-Scholar
• Jennifer Brody – Intern-Scholar
• Hilary Collins – Intern-Scholar
• Kennon Peare – Intern-Scholar

Publisher Information

• Hemisphere Insider is produced by the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
• CSIS is a private, tax-exempt institution with nonpartisan and nonproprietary research.
• All views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors.