Venezuela's Unraveling

Venezuela is one of Latin America's most dynamic and troubled countries. It had been relatively stable during the administration of President Hugo Chavez, but when he died, stability died with him, aided in no small part but the fall of the price of oil. His successor, Nicolas Maduro, is now being challenged not only by Venezuelan citizens, who are angry as they struggle to obtain the most basic living staples and foodstuffs, but also by politicians inside and outside his own political party. His ruling party may not survive the coming collapse, but if it does, it will have the daunting challenge of trying to rebuild the economy.

Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno was vice president under Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2013.

AssessmentsOct 17, 2017 | 09:15 GMTOct 17, 2017

With a New President, Ecuador Begins Leaving Venezuela Behind

Since his election, Lenin Moreno has mapped his own course, away from Caracas and toward Washington.

SnapshotsOct 16, 2017 | 20:34 GMTOct 16, 2017

Venezuela: The Opposition's Last Hope for Change

The Oct. 15 elections didn't bring about the change the opposition was desperate for, but they're hoping that further sanctions from the United States just might.

Car ownership in Cuba lags behind other Caribbean nations. Nevertheless, the loss of Venezuelan oil could hamper the country's budget.

AssessmentsOct 13, 2017 | 17:32 GMTOct 13, 2017

As Venezuela Falters, Cuba Works to Avoid Another 'Special Period'

Concerned its energy patron might cut off its supply, Havana seeks to replace Venezuelan oil and fuel with shipments from other sources.

SnapshotsSep 18, 2017 | 19:49 GMTSep 18, 2017

U.S., Brazil: Dinner and a Dialogue on Trade Issues

On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Brazilian President Michel Temer, where the two may address several outstanding trade issues between their countries, including a recent tariff quota imposed by Brazil on U.S. ethanol imports.

Negotiations to create the conditions that would allow President Nicolas Maduro to step down have stalled yet again.

AssessmentsSep 13, 2017 | 11:31 GMTSep 13, 2017

A Plan to Steady Venezuela Falls Apart, Again

Despite hefty international pressure to stabilize the country, negotiators have yet to produce a deal to usher President Nicolas Maduro from power. And with internal pressure on his rule easing, he can afford to sit back and wait.

With the decline of Venezuelan oil production, Mexico considers its options in the Caribbean

AssessmentsAug 29, 2017 | 11:37 GMTAug 29, 2017

Mexico Sees an Opportunity in Venezuela's Struggles

The decline of Venezuelan oil supplies to Caribbean and Central American countries has Mexico City ready to step in -- and gain leverage with the United States as it does so.

SnapshotsAug 25, 2017 | 22:08 GMTAug 25, 2017

Venezuela: U.S. Oil Sanctions Add Fuel to the Fire

Already struggling with inflation and unrest, Venezuela will have a hard time finding reliable funding because of new U.S. sanctions.

Police officers engulfed in flames from an incendiary device during protests in Caracas on July 30.

On SecurityAug 24, 2017 | 08:00 GMTAug 24, 2017

Plan. Prepare. Avoid a Mad Dash When Crisis Erupts

From sorting out where to go to developing options for escape, knowing how to evacuate a country can help diplomats and expatriates make the best of an emergency.

By Ben West

By understanding the underlying conditions that enabled the rise of strongmen like Argentina's Juan Domingo Peron or Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, we can more easily spot the early signs of populism flaring in the region once again.

On GeopoliticsAug 15, 2017 | 08:00 GMTAug 15, 2017

In Latin America, Populism Is Alive and Well

The appeal of populist leaders has faded in Latin America, along with the generous spending programs that cemented their rule. While low commodity prices make it harder to curry favor, populist agendas will continue to manifest for years to come.

By Paulo Gregoire