The Inter-American Dialogue welcomed panelists Michael Reid, Adriana Urrutia Pozzi-Escot and Alberto Vergara for an online event, “Outlook for Peru’s Troubled Democracy,” on June 1 to discuss the contested presidential runoff in Peru. As the two candidates, Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori, battle for the presidency, this conversation delved into the deepening political polarization in Peru as well as the ongoing crisis of legitimacy for both candidates. Panelists also explored the election within the context of mounting economic inequality and popular discontent in the wake of Covid-19.
The second round of the Peruvian presidential elections will take place on June 6. Peru, which is suffering the economic and social effects of the pandemic, will choose between Keiko Fujimori, a former lawmaker in her third run for the country’s highest office and Pedro Castillo, a rural teacher and union leader from the northern region of Cajamarca.
As Colombia continues to witness a surge in protests and widespread violence in Cali, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted the event “Colombia in Turmoil” on May 20 to examine the root causes and ramifications of the ensuing unrest. This conversation explored how the lack of confidence in the state and political parties, the rise in poverty and unemployment due to the pandemic, and the despair and frustration of Colombia’s youth have culminated in the crisis facing Colombia today.
On May 24, Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, participated in a seminar organized by the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University where the state of domestic and US foreign affairs was discussed.
Michael Shifter
Presentations ˙
˙ Maxwell-in-Washington | Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
On May 27, 2021, the Inter-American Dialogue in collaboration with the Wilson Center hosted “A Conversation with Iván Duque Márquez, President of the Republic of Colombia,” hosting President Duque for a wide-ranging discussion on recent massive street protests in the country and the government’s efforts to calm tensions through national dialogue with protest leaders and the country’s youth.
Michael Shifter, presidente del Diálogo Interamericano, habló con NTN24 sobre la posibilidad de que hayan negociaciones entre el régimen de Nicolás Maduro y la oposición venezolana.
Bruno Binetti, investigador no residente del Diálogo Interamericano, participó en una sesión académica organizada por el Comité de Estados Unidos del Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) acerca de los primeros 100 días de la administración Biden.
Bruno Binetti
Presentations ˙
˙ Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales
On May 11, Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, participated in an event on Latin America’s 2021 and 2022 electoral calendar, which was organized by WorldDenver and moderated by Anna Alejo.
Working with the non-profit Stand Together, renowned Mexican chef and Dialogue alumna Pati Jinich has published a new e-book called The Stories of Our Table. The book is a compilation of recipes that “span continents, centuries, and are a delightful reminder that unique recipes can be tasty to everyone and anyone who ventures to try them at home.”
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, spoke with The Washington Times about US-Venezuelan relations under the Biden administration. The conversation covered Nicolas Maduro’s hopes to win concessions from Washington now that Democrats control the White House, the relationship with Juan Guaidó, and internal divisions in Venezuela.
En esta entrevista para El Mercurio, Michael Shifter, presidente del Diálogo Interamericano, conversó con el periodista Jean Palou Egoaguirre sobre la reciente destitución de cinco jueces de la Corte Suprema y del fiscal general de la nación en El Salvador. Se habló sobre la concentración de poder por parte del presidente Nayib Bukele, la reacción por parte de países de la región y qué significa esto para el futuro de la democracia en El Salvador.
En esta entrevista con Reforma, Michael Shifter opinó sobre la crisis migratoria en la frontera de México y Estados Unidos, la relación bilateral entre ambos países y la primera reunión virtual entre Andrés Manuel López Obrador y Joe Biden.
On April 21, 2021, the Inter-American Dialogue, Creative Associates International, and the International Organization on Migration hosted the online event Addressing the Root Causes of Migration from Central America to discuss trends in Central American migration alongside practical solutions for managing these flows and addressing the factors pressuring people to leave their homes.
Peter Hakim, presidente emérito del Diálogo Interamericano, conversó con Sergio Muñoz Bata sobre la renuncia de Raúl Castro a su puesto como primer secretario del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba. Durante la entrevista se habló sobre el futuro del socialismo en Cuba, las reformas económicas y los prospectos democráticos de la isla.
