Category: Americas

Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across the Americas, including U.S. foreign policy, Latin American politics, trade, security, and cross-border diplomacy.

Chile and Bolivia sign cooperation agreements during first Chilean state visit in 71 years

Chile and Bolivia have signed a series of cooperation agreements during President José Antonio Kast’s state visit to La Paz on Friday (16 Oct), the first by a Chilean president in 71 years, signalling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations despite longstanding historical differences. Key developments: The visit reflects a broader effort to improve practical cooperation…
Brazil presidential election heads to run-off after Flávio Bolsonaro leads first round

Brazil’s presidential election will be decided in a second-round run-off after no candidate secured the majority required to win outright in the first round. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with the run-off scheduled for 25 October. Key developments: The campaign has centred on the economy, public security and…
Brazil heads to the polls in closely contested presidential election between Lula and Bolsonaro

Brazilians are voting in the 2026 Brazilian presidential election on Sunday (4 Oct), with incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeking another term against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL). Opinion polls indicate a close contest, with a second-round run-off likely if no candidate secures an outright majority. Key developments: The outcome…
US announces plans for Autonomous Warfare Command amid military modernisation push

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has directed the creation of a pathway towards an Autonomous Warfare Command, a proposed functional combatant command intended to lead the US Joint Force in unmanned and autonomous warfare. The initiative, known as Project Agincourt, will be led by the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS), with…
US and Argentina launch Andes-Atlantic Corridor to strengthen infrastructure and supply chains

The United States and Argentina have launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure, expanding investment and improving supply chain connectivity between Argentina and Atlantic markets. Announced by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Quirno on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly,…
‘March of Anger’ in Buenos Aires highlights tensions over Milei’s reforms

Demonstrators joined the “March of Anger” (Marcha de la Bronca) in Buenos Aires on Saturday (19 Sep), protesting against the economic and social policies of President Javier Milei’s government. The mobilisation was organised by left-wing political groups, social organisations and unions, with participants raising concerns over austerity measures, public services, disability benefits and university funding. …
US expands sanctions on Cuba, targeting the nickel industry and military research entities

The US Department of State has announced sanctions against eight Cuban entities and three individuals, targeting the country’s nickel industry and military research and development sectors. Washington said the measures form part of the Trump administration’s broader sanctions policy, arguing the targeted organisations support Cuba’s military capabilities and generate revenue for the government through mineral…
Peru joins US-led Shield of the Americas as Rubio and Fujimori strengthen ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori announced closer cooperation on security, trade and regional issues during talks in Lima, Peru, as both countries marked more than 200 years of diplomatic relations. Fujimori confirmed that Peru will join the Shield of the Americas, a US-led multilateral initiative focused on addressing transnational…
US and Ecuador strengthen security partnership with new maritime and anti-crime measures

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister of Human Mobility Roberto Kury Pesantes have outlined expanded cooperation between the two countries during Rubio’s official visit to Quito, Ecuador. The discussions focused on security cooperation, economic development, and bilateral relations, with both officials highlighting efforts to address transnational criminal networks and strengthen institutional…
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US imports take effect, deepening trade tensions

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth around $20bn took effect on Tuesday (8 Sep), intensifying a trade dispute between Ottawa and Washington. The measures, ranging from 15% to 50%, target products including steel, dairy, electronics, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and appliances. The tariffs follow new US trade measures introduced by President Donald Trump,…