Young Professionals in Foreign Policy - South America

Strengthening a Weak Link in the Global Security Chain: Regional Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:50:38 -0700

Introduction [1]

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) is one in a series of measures taken to address threats to the political and social order deriving from access to, or use of, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), related materials, and means of delivery. The resolution is distinct from existing treaty-based nonproliferation and arms control regime components, such as the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) that govern the behavior of states. In contrast to these treaties, resolution 1540 in one instrument, covers all three types of weapon and reaches beyond the state to focus explicitly on the risk that non-state actors, in particular terrorist organizations bent on undermining, and in some cases supplanting, civil society might "acquire, develop, traffic in or use nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery." 1540 also goes beyond existing anti-terrorism conventions that collectively impose similar though less comprehensive obligations on convention parties in that, being adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the resolution is binding on all member states of the United Nations.

Declining Dollar Hurts Remittance Recipients Abroad

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:46:39 -0700

As the value of the dollar continues to decline relative to other currencies, some of those most affected don't even live in the United States. Instead, they are citizens of developing countries who receive remitted dollars from family and friends working abroad. For them, the weakening dollar is particularly crippling because it either converts into less local currency or, for those in countries with pegged currencies, can't keep up with local inflation.

It's a situation roughly similar to American travelers in Europe discovering that it now costs $4.77 for a Big Mac, whereas a year and a half ago the cost was only $3.77. The dollar is no longer going as far as it once did, and the decline is pinching the incomes of remittance recipients -- often the poorest -- and prompting shifts in international migration patterns. Policymakers in developing countries need to act soon to reduce the costs and unpredictability of remittances and ensure that social safety nets cover those who are harmed.

One Bush Policy Makes Sense

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:22:37 -0800

President Bush’s State of the Union address was by no means Earth shattering. However, one point warrants emphasis. Bush asked Congress to approve a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Colombia. He stated that the agreement, whose renewal has stalled for almost a year now, is important for “America’s strategic interests.” Bush hit the nail right on the head. Despite what many on the Hill want you to believe, there is more at stake than the jobs of a fistful of well-buttressed U.S. workers.

Money in the Bank -- Lessons Learned from Past Counterinsurgency (COIN) Operations

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 07:40:36 -0700

As insurgent threats evolve and assume new forms, the United States must also evolve in its ability to counter potentially prolonged threats in several parts of the world. Because of the potential for global reach in contemporary insurgencies, the ability to draw on lessons learned from past counterinsurgency (COIN) campaigns using different historical cases can be valuable, helping current and future leaders prevent a repetition of mistakes and building a foundation on which to build contemporary responses.

To this end, six historic COIN operations from the 19th and 20th centuries are examined to determine which tactics, techniques, and procedures led to success and which to failure. The Philippines, Algeria, Vietnam, El Salvador, Jammu and Kashmir, and Colombia were chosen for their varied characteristics relating to geography, historical era, outcome, type of insurgency faced, and level of U.S. involvement. Specific issues examined include the counterinsurgents’ ability to innovate and adapt, the need to find a way to recognize the threat, and tactics for confronting it.

Hollow Hopes for US-Latin America Relations

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:26:55 -0800

President Bush, knee-deep in his visit to Latin America, has pledged loyalty and assistance to a region that despite improvements in the last few decades, is still entrenched in rampant inequality, inferior social institutions and serious governance problems. The President has renewed the US’ commitment to working with its neighbors toward social justice for the citizens of the Americas, reinforcing the significance of the partnership for security and peace. Latin Americans on the whole, will, without a doubt regard Bush’s visit with a grain of salt and a bitter murmur of “too little, too late.”

3 Steps for Bush in Latin America

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:33:32 -0800

Last Friday's Economist recommended three goals for the president's Latin America trip that begins today:

In Brazil he should negotiate trade for ethanol that can help the US reduce its dependence on oil.
In Colombia he should discuss US assistance in the battle against cocaine gangs and violence.
In Mexico he must address issues of immigration and find a way to allow more Mexican laborers to arrive in the US legally.

I think Bush should heed this advice. We must work to improve relations in Latin America in a way that will be beneficial to us all.

Economies of Latin America & the Caribbean for 2006 [IAD]

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:30:00 -0800

Start: Dec 15 2006 - 12:30pm

End: Dec 15 2006 - 2:00pm

Event Description:

Discussion on Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean for 2006

Presentation by Jose Luis Machinea, Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean

Comments by:

Nancy Lee, US Department of the Treasury

Anoop Singh, International Monetary Fund

Friday, December 15, 2006 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Inter-American Dialogue

1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 510

Washington, D.C.

We are pleased to invite you to join us at the Inter-American Dialogue on Friday, December 15 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. for a luncheon discussion on the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean's (ECLAC) new report, Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean for 2006. The report, ECLAC's flagship publication, is an authoritative and comprehensive statement of Latin America's economic performance in the past year. ECLAC Secretary-General Jose Luis Machinea will present its most important findings. Nancy Lee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Eurasia and Latin America at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and Anoop Singh, Director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund, will offer comments.

Venezuelans Vote: Democracy's Last Stand? (AEI)

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:23:45 -0800

Start: Dec 1 2006 - 10:00am

End: Dec 1 2006 - 12:00pm

Event Description:

Venezuelans Vote: Democracy's Last Stand?

Please register for this event online at www.aei.org/event1439.

Friday, December 1, 2006 10:00 a.m.–noon

Wohlstetter Conference Center, Twelfth Floor, AEI

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

Under the auspices of his Bolivarian revolution, Venezuelan president Hugo ChÃ¡vez has drastically undermined the country’s democratic institutions, concentrated power in his hands, and engaged in costly “petrodollar” diplomacy as poverty and insecurity have grown at home. Although ChÃ¡vez’s recent speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in October damaged his international reputation (and did not help his bid for a UN Security Council seat), how will Venezuelans evaluate their president in the December 3 elections? Given his declared eagerness to remain indefinitely as president as well as the jarring changes to Venezuela’s institutions, could there be life after ChÃ¡vez?

Does Hugo Chavez Matter?

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 05:13:51 -0800

Start: Dec 12 2006 - 7:00pm

End: Dec 12 2006 - 8:30pm

Event Description:

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN FOREIGN POLICY
Does Hugo Chavez Matter?
Michael Shifter, Vice President for Policy, Inter-American Dialogue
Tuesday, December 12 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
1211 Connecticut Ave, NW
RSVP to events@ypfp.org

There is no doubt that Hugo Chavez has caught our attention -- but it is more difficult to assess the impact that his words and actions have actually had. Despite the rhetoric, trade between the U.S. and Venezuela has never been higher; Chavez's attempt to secure a seat on the UN Security Council for himself or one of his friends has failed; and it seems highly unlikely that Venezuela would ever curtail oil exports to the United States. On the other hand, Chavez feeds rampant anti-Americanism in Latin America, he has undermined regional trade initiatives, he is pushing neighboring countries farther and farther to the left, and he is stockpiling a disconcerting amount of weaponry.

Is the Chinese Model Gaining Influence in Latin America? (Hudson)

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 12:17:23 -0700

Start: Oct 10 2006 - 8:30am

End: Oct 10 2006 - 2:00pm

Event Description:

CENTER FOR LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
Cordially invites you to a conference

Is the Chinese Model Gaining Economic and
Political Influence in Latin America?

Tuesday October 10th

8:30am	Registration and continental breakfast
9:00	First Panel: The Chinese Model in Latin America