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...
acted brazil cleaned countries key leadership position puts relations role saw states united
She saw the problem, acted well and wisely, and cleaned up the mess. It repairs relations with key countries like Brazil and puts the United States in a much better position to play a leadership role going forward.
addressing exclusion mount political reform social unless
Unless Flores embarks on ... social reform aimed at addressing the country's exclusion and inequality, political unrest could mount during her presidency.
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.
brazil fields gas military natural ordering otherwise partners risks seize
With this move, he risks alienating natural and otherwise sympathetic partners like Brazil and Spain. Ordering the military to seize the natural gas fields is unnecessarily confrontational and antagonistic.
central directing led produce reaction risk seen strong
There is a risk that such an idea will be seen as led by the U.S., or if the U.S. was seen as coordinating or directing it, ... That is problematic and could produce a strong reaction in Central America.
gotten lowest relations
Relations are probably at their lowest point. Things have gotten very bad. The two governments are on a collision course.
dismiss quick
I think they're not as quick to dismiss his bluster as they used to be.
control saying sort
I think he's saying that the U.S. doesn't have to control everything ? that the U.S. is able to sort of yield, and when it does, things can go well,
both emphasis extremely greater proven pursue social within
Palacio thought he could pursue a different course, have a greater emphasis on a social agenda. But I think he's encountered real obstacles, not just within Ecuador but in the international community. I think he's wanted to have it both ways, but that's proven to be extremely difficult.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.