THE JANUARY 2024 ERUPTION: DRUG GANGS VS. ARMED FORCES IN ECUADOR

Daniel Noboa, Ecuador’s new president, is facing severe challenges with drug-related violence escalating. Gang wars have intensified following gangster ‘Fito’s’ escape, resulting in numerous attacks, including a notably violent incident at TC Television. Noboa declared a state of emergency, involved the military, and won unprecedented parliamentary support despite lacking a majority. With Ecuador becoming an international drug hub, his militarized strategy and international cooperation are crucial to his presidency’s success.

Global (In)Governance: The Yasuni ITT Failure

The failure of the Yasuni ITT initiative demonstrated a missed opportunity for a global governance approach to encourage environmental conservation. What lesson can be learned for future global emergencies?

The Return of Direct Democracy? A look at the double-edged sword in Latin America

The frequency of popular consultations in Latin America are testimony of the return of direct democracy. However, Uruguay and Ecuador use these tools differently.

A Tale of Two Countries: Dollarization in Panama and Ecuador 

Panama and Ecuador are two of the three fully dollarized economies in Latin America and have witnessed benefits of this controversial measure. But does dollarization have a place in a shifting geoeconomic order?