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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
benefit specialist washington
Washington is a specialist in doing things that benefit Chavez.
consensus move
There's no consensus on how to move forward.
coherent comment further proof
The Rumsfeld comment is further proof that the administration doesn't have a coherent policy. There are very conflicting signals.
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.