The Role of the Private Sector in Geopolitics: A Conversation with George Logothetis
What role does, and should, the private sector play in geopolitical affairs? The private sector and market-based solutions have the power to drive economic growth and innovation, but they also have the potential to influence geopolitics at large, including advancing democracy and human rights. The nexus between governments and the private sector could assist in lifting lives, providing opportunity, and achieving a prosperous future. Join us for this conversation between former President of Colombia Ivan Duque and Executive Chairman of Libra Group George Logothetis on the power of the private sector and its connection to foreign affairs, especially dealing with economic challenges and opportunities in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Points of Clarity | What Is the Importance of Offering Temporary Protected Status During Conflict?
Former President of Colombia Iván Duque Márquez explains how Temporary Protection Status (TPS) boosts migrants' visibility and fosters economic and social development—as shown by Colombia's own evidence-based approach to migration policy.
Una examinación del impacto de las elecciones en Argentina con el ex-Presidente Macri
El ministro de Economía, Sergio Massa y el legislador Javier Milei tienen dos visiones diferentes sobre el futuro de Argentina. Los votantes tienen grandes motivaciones para votar, impulsados por la alta inflación que vive el país, la pobreza, altas tasas de interés y los controles de capital. Los candidatos comparten puntos de vista claramente diferentes sobre el futuro del país, la tercera economía más grande de América Latina y la que tiene la mayor deuda con el Fondo Monetario Internacional. Acompáñenos a una conversación con el Ex presidente Mauricio Macri de Argentina y el Ex presidente Iván Duque Márquez de Colombia para discutir las implicaciones de las elecciones del domingo para Argentina y la dinámica regional en América del Sur.
Venezuela at a Crossroads: Is the Barbados Agreement on Life Support?
Venezuela is at a crossroads, as the authoritarian regime led by Nicolás Maduro resists international pressure to hold democratic elections this year, as agreed upon in the Barbados Agreement last October. Venezuela has not set a date for elections and in January, its Supreme Court disqualified the winner of the opposition primary, María Corina Machado, from the presidential contest. The court ruling led the United States to reimpose some sanctions, examine snap back of future sanctions, and raised questions about the future of the Barbados Agreement. The outcome of this latest standoff has significant implications for human rights in Venezuela, the regional migration crisis, and global energy security. To learn more, join us for a conversation on the prospects for elections in Venezuela this year and the role of the United States, moderated by Leopoldo Lopez, with opening remarks from Amb. Brownfield, and (virtual) closing remarks from President Duque.
Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque on the Election of Daniel Noboa in Ecuador
Thirty-five year-old Daniel Noboa, son of Ecuador’s richest man and five-time presidential candidate Álvaro Noboa, was elected as Ecuador’s new President. Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque comments on the historic election.
A New Chapter for Paraguay: A Conversation with President Santiago Peña
Santiago Peña, an economist and former finance minister from Paraguay’s conservative Colorado Party, won a decisive victory in April’s presidential election. In most of the region, incumbent parties have struggled in recent elections. But Peña’s Colorado Party not only retained control of the presidency, it also won majorities in both chambers of Congress, giving him an opportunity to implement an ambitious economic agenda. As Paraguay emerges from a long drought, its robust agriculture sector will help drive economic growth. Still, Paraguay’s new leader faces challenges as he attempts to create 500,000 jobs, reduce poverty, and fight crime and corruption. Foreign policy will also be complex, as the president deepens Paraguay’s relationship with Taiwan amid pressure from Beijing and objections from local farmers eager for a new export market. Closer to home, Paraguay and its neighbors are discussing the future of the Mercosur trade bloc, while Paraguay and Brazil are expected to renegotiate the electricity rates of the Itaipú dam.
Untapped Economic Potential: What Can Latin America and the Caribbean Offer the World?
Latin America and the Caribbean have enormous untapped economic potential. Weak institutions, challenges with the rule of law, and mixed human rights conditions have inhibited investment, but the region has shown resilience in recent years, despite the severe impacts of the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2019, US foreign direct investment in the region reached $1.3 trillion and trade with the United States totaled $1.9 trillion. Given growing global demand for food, energy, and minerals for batteries and electric vehicles–such as copper and lithium– the region’s commercial ties to the United States and other regions could grow substantially. Nearshoring should also provide significant tailwinds in the years ahead. The US currently has trade agreements with 20 countries, of which 12 are in our region. That said, success will depend upon smart public policy, including strategic infrastructure investments. To discuss how Latin America and the Caribbean could strengthen economic ties with the United States and unlock the region’s potential, please join us for this important conversation with public and private sector leaders from throughout the Americas.
Israel at 75: The Views From Latin America
As Israel celebrates 75 years of statehood, it is a moment to mark how Israel’s influence and reach extends well beyond its immediate neighborhood. Nowhere is that more true than in the Americas. The Western Hemisphere and Israel have a long-standing relationship. In 1947, Uruguay and Guatemala were among the first countries to vote for statehood for Israel. Uruguay was the first South American country to formally recognize Israel, while Guatemala was among one of the first countries to open an embassy in Jerusalem after the United States. Israel has a longstanding and historic friendship with the Western Hemisphere, many Jewish communities and a vast array of economic and commercial agreements and technology cooperation. Trade between Israel and the Western Hemisphere was approximately $6 billion in 2022 with Brazil being its largest trading partner. The relationship between the region and Israel is not without its challenges. As we remember and commemorate the terrorist attacks in Argentina almost 30 years ago against the Jewish Center and the Israeli Embassy orchestrated by Hezbollah and Iran, it is increasingly troubling that Iran’s dictator held a Latin America tour recently and visited Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Please join us for this event to discuss the relationship between Latin America and Israel, as well as the ongoing challenges and implications for the US.