Ecuador: the National Assembly and the diplomatic conflict

Ecuador is currently facing transitions because of its National Assembly. Nevertheless, there is a threat that the country can follow a political authoritarian process similar to the one of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. On the other hand, after the diplomatic conflict with Colombia, the Ecuadorian government has been accused of collaborating with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Even though, president Rafael Correa has denied these affirmations, recent reports of The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) would have confirm a connection. In this context, Ecuador, potentially, still emerges as one of the most unstable countries in Latin America. Continue...

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Carlos Eduardo Pérez Crespo

(03 June 2008)

The United States: the environmental crisis and the political debate

“Going green” has become popular in the U.S., resulting in an increased awareness of the complexity of environmental issues as well as personal responsibility and activism. The frontrunners in the presidential elections have had to respond to these issues with tangible plans. 2008 may be the first time in the history of the United States that the environment will play a substantial role in the presidential campaign and, probably, will have an important impact on the final choice. Continue...

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Robin J. Merritt

(28 April 2008)

Weekly Analyses – 16/2008

Zimbabwe: Collapse of the Government Confirmed - United States: Military Analysts and Their Ties with the Pentagon - Afghanistan: The Start of a Spring Offensive - Georgia: Moscow Hasn’t Ruled Out Military Intervention in Defence of Abhkazia and Ossetia - Syria: Tensions with Washington Rise Regarding Nuclear Issues Continue...

1958 Words

(28 April 2008)

Paraguay: Fernando Lugo's Challenges

The victor of the presidential elections for the Patriotic Alliance for Change's (PAC) marks an end to the half century ruled by the Colorado Party. Who is this 56 year old charismatic ex-bishop claiming to represent a new political period in the country, and what challenges does his government face? Continue...

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Mariano Roca

(24 April 2008)

United States: The NATO Summit in Bucharest and the Decline of American Soft Power

The concluded NATO summit in Bucharest provided important indications regarding the difficulties experienced by the Bush administration in bringing together European allies in a coalition favouring the extension of the Atlantic Alliance toward Eastern Europe. Germany's refusal of the inclusion of Georgia and the Ukraine and skepticism towards the project for the construction of the European missile defence shield, seem to indicate a decline in America's persuasive power over European Union countries and a definitive statement regarding the Kremlin's ability to exercise pressure on the European Community. Continue...

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Simone Comi

(22 April 2008)

(A&F) Water: Industry Investments Grow and Profit

The water industry is reporting continued expansion and is playing an ever more critical world role. Large entities are seeing investments in the sector rewarded and its course of development leads to speculation of continued growth in the market of blue gold. Infrastructure and purification systems, crucial all over the world and in entire regions such as China, have the ability to continually and increasingly become areas suitable for massive investments aimed at better management and effective use of water resources. Continue...

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Alberto Rossi

(16 April 2008)

Weekly Analyses – 13/2008

Africa: Indo-African economic partnership strengthens – United States: Important signs emerge from the NATO summit on the decline of US soft power – Sri Lanka: Escalation into violence in the face off between the government and the Tamil Tigers – France: Increased support for NATO in Afghanistan – Israel: The looming presence of Hezbollah revenge and tensions with Damascus Continue...

1808 Words

(10 April 2008)