Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter is President of the Inter-American Dialogue and an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council's journal Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the Latin American Studies Association, and a contributing editor to Current History...
certainly hard predict stage turn
So far, it's a stage of exploration and posturing, and certainly could turn into something more serious. But it's very hard to predict right now.
allowed extremely run strong
If Uribe's allowed to run he's in an extremely strong position, but it's not necessarily a foregone conclusion.
believe clearly engaged happening latin people question react states supportive threats trends turn united
Clearly in Latin America, things are not happening the way the United States would like to see them happen. And the question is: Will the US try to be more engaged and be supportive of the people who believe in the same thing as it does, or will it react to these trends as threats to the US, which could turn them into a self-fulfilling prophecy?
carries consequences economy fully likely proposed quite supporters
If Morales fully carries out his proposed agenda, the consequences would be likely to be quite problematic. His supporters may be happy, but Bolivia's economy would not be viable.
chavez deal headed looks
It looks like we are headed for a collision. Chavez realizes that the U.S. doesn't have an idea of how to deal with him.
course exporting fear given great hung washington
It's given new life, and of course great resources, to this fear that's hung around Washington for decades, of (Cuba) exporting revolution.
coherent comment further proof
The Rumsfeld comment is further proof that the administration doesn't have a coherent policy. There are very conflicting signals.
clearly fate question successful wants
It's still a big question how he's going to govern. Clearly if he wants to be a successful president, he doesn't want the same fate as some of his predecessors.
countries dependence economic level locked massive mutual situation
The two countries are locked in a situation of mutual dependence at an economic level because of oil, while being locked in a massive clash, a lot of rhetoric.
america cold fence latin lowest moment point proposal relations since terrible viewed
At a moment when relations between the US and Latin America are at their lowest point since the end of the cold war, this fence proposal is viewed as a terrible affront.
balance base both capital finding foreign formula national political pose pragmatic remains severe stake strike strong test unclear whether
It remains unclear how pragmatic Morales will actually be once in office, and whether he'll be able to strike the formula of accommodating both his base and national and foreign capital that have a strong stake in Bolivia's economy. Finding that balance will pose the most severe test of Morales's political skills.
beyond build difficult felt peace support
They felt that if prosecution was allowed, it would be very difficult to build peace and go beyond the conflict. On the other hand, it does support impunity, which is not helpful.
america chavez latin
The way Robertson's declarations will play in Latin America is that Chavez is right and that the U.S. is out to get him.
consensus move
There's no consensus on how to move forward.