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...
brazil case chavez closing discipline finance fiscal labels left meaning milton ministers please present shows stress surprise
To be frank, it doesn't surprise me. Chavez is a case apart; but if you look at the finance ministers -- Chile, Uruguay, Brazil -- all of them would please Milton Friedman with their fiscal discipline and their closing down of debts. And even those on the left stress 'effectiveness' as the model. It shows that the old labels don't have a lot of meaning in the present context.
agenda chavez debate reacting says setting shaping terms
More than any other leader, he is shaping the agenda and setting the terms of debate in the region. Chavez has the initiative, he's on the offensive, and everyone else is reacting to what he says and does.
challenge chavez economic model peru represents serious threat
The possibility we'll have another Chavez acolyte in Peru represents a serious challenge to the economic model and a threat to democracy.
chavez clarity lack messages president reflect strategic strategy thinking
These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.
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.
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.
affinity best convinced country enormous happening powerful shared states support symbolism tremendous united values
There is powerful symbolism in what's happening in Costa Rica. Here is a country with enormous affinity with the United States, where there is a tremendous convergence of shared values ... and even they are not convinced that unquestioned support of the United States is in their best interests.
amount bad tend
When you have that amount of concentrated power, bad things tend to happen.
america care latin needs start washington
There has been a sense that Latin America can take care of itself, but Washington needs to start repairing the tattered relations.
face follow test
But now the test is, 'Can he follow through?' ... Ultimately, he will face real decisions.
benefit specialist washington
Washington is a specialist in doing things that benefit Chavez.
absolutely brazil critical free limit player progress support trade
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere. There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation.
absolutely brazil critical free limit player progress support trade
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere, ... There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation.
anxious business feared fiercely hit welcome words
Those words must have been welcome to anxious business groups, who feared a fiercely confrontational tone. He hit some conciliatory notes.