The premier forum for dialogue on Latin American politics, economics, and culture. 🔗 http://www.as-coa.org 📧Sign up for our newsletters: http://as-coa.org/newsletters https://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mqkbaudvl224🇻🇪 The June 24 earthquakes complicated an already complex economic rebuild in Venezuela. 🎙️ In the latest #LatAmFocus, Rafael Velasquez of @rescue.org and Ángel Cárdenas Sosa of @agendacaf.bsky.social talk to @luisaleme.bsky.social about funding priorities for Venezuela’s recovery: bit.ly/4eYg8yO https://bit.ly/4eYg8yO13 Jul 2026 17:56 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqkbaudvl224https://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mpjx6vvjds2j🇻🇪 The Americas have pulled together in the aftermath of the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Learn about how the U.S. and Latin American governments have supported rescue and relief efforts. Plus, find out ways you can help: ow.ly/9B5M50ZiU3y https://ow.ly/9B5M50ZiU3y30 Jun 2026 21:30 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpjx6vvjds2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3moj2ylbdzs2eColombians vote this Sunday, June 21, in a polarized runoff. 🇨🇴 Polls indicate a victory for hard-right Abelardo de la Espriella over leftist Iván Cepeda, but some show it could be a tight contest. See the numbers: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election17 Jun 2026 19:40 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3moj2ylbdzs2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mkq4frmg622kOn May 1, after 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur trade deal kicks into effect. Why now? Trade expert Kellie Meiman Hock returns to #LatAmFocus to explain to @luisaleme.bsky.social how the deal fits a pattern of countries seeking to diversify in a shifting trade context. ow.ly/Lxw250YSAvM https://ow.ly/Lxw250YSAvM30 Apr 2026 17:14 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkq4frmg622khttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mhtjw5csak2y🇵🇪 Less than a month out from Peru's elections, we've got the figures you need to understand the vote. ➡️Why is the paper ballot so huge? ➡️What portion of voters are Gen Z? ➡️What issue is most worrying voters? Find out the answers: ow.ly/WmSa50YyojJ https://ow.ly/WmSa50YyojJ24 Mar 2026 21:38 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhtjw5csak2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mgscj73bfk2d🎙What will it take for Haiti to secure its elections? In the latest #LatAmFocus, GI-TOC's @romainlecour.bsky.social covers domestic and international efforts to contain Haiti’s spiraling security crisis ahead of a potential August vote—the country’s first in a decade. Listen here: ow.ly/4bCx50Yss3g https://ow.ly/4bCx50Yss3g11 Mar 2026 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgscj73bfk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mfce6mqal22lAS/COA Online's regular roundup covers U.S policy on the Americas in the second year of Trump 2.0. Subscribe on LinkedIn to get each week's edition in your inbox, zooming in on topics like Venezuela, USMCA review negotiations, tariffs, migration, and more. Learn more: https://www.as-coa.org/trump-latin-america-dispatches-washingtons-hemispheric-strategy20 Feb 2026 14:50 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mfce6mqal22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mer6ifaqfc2wWhat would it take for right-wing movements in Mexico to succeed? In the latest #LatAmFocus, @gemakloppe.bsky.social and @alexgonzor.bsky.social talk with @carinzissis.bsky.social about the history of and obstacles for Mexico’s many derechas. 🎧Listen to the full episode: ow.ly/c5Bg50Yfjwe13 Feb 2026 18:52 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mer6ifaqfc2whttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3me4xexqpmc2rCuba is undergoing its worst economic period in decades while its regime faces rising pressure from the Trump administration. 📊 See the numbers on the Caribbean island’s current struggles to bring in fuel, tourists, and U.S. dollars: ow.ly/JXjw50Y9sNI https://ow.ly/JXjw50Y9sNI05 Feb 2026 17:52 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3me4xexqpmc2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mdlomckhps2xThe Americas now lies at the center of Washington’s foreign policy calculus. AS/COA Online is kicking off a series of regular dispatches to help readers stay on top of the renewed U.S. focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Read in on this busy week: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/trump-latin-america-rubio-talks-venezuela-mexico-talks-trade-lula-talks-trump29 Jan 2026 21:00 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdlomckhps2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mdg7fvwftc2hCosta Rica, long considered one of Latin America’s most stable democracies, has seen an uncharacteristic rise in violence and political polarization ahead of the February 1 elections. We explore four questions that shed light on this electoral round: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/four-questions-driving-costa-ricas-presidential-race27 Jan 2026 16:44 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdg7fvwftc2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mddt3ur2hk2nAfter a tumultuous election marked by delayed vote counts, fraud allegations, and a surprise endorsement from Donald Trump, Nasry Asfura steps into his role as Honduras’ new president on January 27. Learn more about Asfura and what’s ahead as he begins his four-year term: ow.ly/Z0u350Y3U3a https://ow.ly/Z0u350Y3U3a26 Jan 2026 17:59 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mddt3ur2hk2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mciktxmuwc2gFrom tariff turbulence to a capture in Caracas, Trump 2.0 sharpened Washington's focus on the region. Get a summary his first year's regional policy and what's next: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/one-year-trumps-impact-latin-america-and-whats-next15 Jan 2026 21:49 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mciktxmuwc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mcfnzwjeak23🎙NEW #LatAmFocus: What's on the Table for Brazil’s Security Issues ahead of 2026 Elections? @muggah.bsky.social of the Igarapé Institute discusses the evolving criminal landscape and puts forward evidence-based solutions to violence. Listen now: ow.ly/Mv8u50XWRkQ https://ow.ly/Mv8u50XWRkQ14 Jan 2026 18:08 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcfnzwjeak23https://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mbug6dt6dk2kThe U.S. operation to oust Nicolás Maduro came amid a months-long accumulation of military assets in the Americas and ongoing lethal strikes on alleged drug boats. AS/COA Online traces a timeline of the developments leading up to Maduro's capture: ow.ly/bkXB50XTbpT https://ow.ly/bkXB50XTbpT07 Jan 2026 21:32 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbug6dt6dk2khttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3mbpbddmhcc2qHow have regional and global actors respond to the January 3 U.S. operation in Venezuela? AS/COA Online rounds up the range of reactions: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/reactions-us-operation-venezuela-latin-america-and-beyond05 Jan 2026 20:22 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbpbddmhcc2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3ma7rmvxlxk2dBrazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti, and Peru all plan to elect presidents in 2026. Learn about candidates and issues in each country in AS/COA Online’s elections preview: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/2026-presidential-elections-latin-america-preview17 Dec 2025 23:06 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3ma7rmvxlxk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m7nphbzbms2yNEW #LatAmFocus: Andrés Velasco on How Latin America Can Reboot Its Economic Rules The Chilean ex-finance minister and current dean of @lsepublicpolicy.bsky.social presents new economic principles for a 21st century approach to foster both growth and well-being. Listen now: ow.ly/Yyn950XH2uc https://ow.ly/Yyn950XH2uc10 Dec 2025 18:39 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7nphbzbms2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m7njcl733s2wAS/COA extends a heartfelt congratulations to María Corina Machado on receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This distinguished honor underscores her exceptional bravery, dedication to democratic ideals, and relentless defense of the rights and dignity of the Venezuelan people.10 Dec 2025 16:49 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7njcl733s2whttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m74efjpqjk2bNEW Poll Tracker: Chile's 2025 Presidential Runoff 🇨🇱 Leftist Jeannette Jara won the first round, but her right-wing opponent, José Antonio Kast, leads polls in the race to succeed Gabriel Boric. See full polling: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-chiles-2025-presidential-runoff03 Dec 2025 21:06 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m74efjpqjk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m73uyauaac2nOur team is growing in Washington, DC! Join us at Council of the Americas and help execute high-impact policy programs focused on the Western Hemisphere while cultivating key stakeholder relationships. Director: https://www.as-coa.org/content/director-council-americas Manager: https://www.as-coa.org/content/manager-council-americas03 Dec 2025 16:30 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m73uyauaac2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m723bfnu5s2hTwo days after Honduras’ Nov. 30 election, a thin margin separates Trump-endorsed Tito Asfura of the National Party and the Liberals’ Salvador Nasralla in a partial preliminary vote count. Learn more about the post-election panorama: ow.ly/u1QF50XB1a1 https://ow.ly/u1QF50XB1a102 Dec 2025 23:18 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m723bfnu5s2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m6fndh55uc2zFears of electoral fraud and voter concerns about jobs and insecurity loom over Honduras’ Nov. 30 elections. AS/COA Online outlines the political landscape, key electoral issues, and platforms of the major presidential candidates. Learn more: ow.ly/UFle50Xx7ZJ https://ow.ly/UFle50Xx7ZJ24 Nov 2025 20:15 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m6fndh55uc2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m5twndoyec27The results of the November 16 Chilean first-round election will see the left's Jeannette Jara and the right's José Antonio Kast head to a December runoff. See a breakdown of results, runoff polling, the incoming congressional composition, and more: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/chiles-presidential-vote-charts-lefts-jara-and-rights-kast-head-runoff17 Nov 2025 19:14 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m5twndoyec27https://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m5kcekblck2vOn November 13, the White House announced frameworks for trade deals with four countries: Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The full deals are expected in the next few weeks. Learn more in our trade tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/tracking-trump-and-latin-america-trade-deals-unveiled-four-latam-countries13 Nov 2025 23:17 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m5kcekblck2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m5jovk7lxk2iNew #LatAmFocus: Can Rodrigo Paz Unearth Bolivia’s Lithium Potential? Texas A&M’s Diego von Vacano talks to ASCOA’s @carinzissis.bsky.social about the history of political and economic obstacles stifling the sector and outlines the path ahead for the new president. 🎧 Listen: ow.ly/e5y050Xr1uX https://ow.ly/e5y050Xr1uX13 Nov 2025 17:28 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m5jovk7lxk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m5buxqs6es2zNEW Explainer: Chile's 2025 General Elections 🇨🇱 In the November 16 first round, will Chileans pick a successor to President Gabriel Boric who will shift the country’s ideological direction? Learn more: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/explainer-chiles-2025-general-elections10 Nov 2025 14:56 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m5buxqs6es2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m4w3kosw7s2sOn Oct. 31, COA hosted Rafael Grossi, Director General of the @iaeaorg.bsky.social, for a breakfast with our corporate members. He provided insights into the evolving geopolitical dynamics influencing international cooperation among various stakeholders. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Grossi!05 Nov 2025 22:22 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m4w3kosw7s2shttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m4jfbpzuqc2wSince September, the U.S. has carried out a series of fatal airstrikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and assembled its largest military deployment in Latin America in decades, heightening tensions with Venezuela. AS/COA Online traces a timeline of developments: ow.ly/iRSO50XlfCp https://ow.ly/iRSO50XlfCp31 Oct 2025 21:11 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m4jfbpzuqc2whttps://bsky.app/profile/ascoa.bsky.social/post/3m4e3atnlf22lOn Oct. 28, COA hosted Uruguay’s Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining Fernanda Cardona, alongside a delegation from the Chamber of Uruguayan IT Companies. The meeting highlighted Uruguay's leadership in renewable energy and its growing role as a regional innovation and technology hub.29 Oct 2025 18:28 +0000at://did:plc:vhb2nylkdosqaee4fupq5v6x/app.bsky.feed.post/3m4e3atnlf22l