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...
aware both country cutting identity indigenous setting standard terms
Morales is acutely aware of the symbols, both in terms of the indigenous identity of the country and by setting the standard for cutting salaries.
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.
both emphasis extremely greater proven pursue social within
Palacio thought he could pursue a different course, have a greater emphasis on a social agenda. But I think he's encountered real obstacles, not just within Ecuador but in the international community. I think he's wanted to have it both ways, but that's proven to be extremely difficult.
chavez clarity lack messages president reflect strategic strategy thinking
These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.
coherent comment further proof
The Rumsfeld comment is further proof that the administration doesn't have a coherent policy. There are very conflicting signals.
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.
control saying sort
I think he's saying that the U.S. doesn't have to control everything ? that the U.S. is able to sort of yield, and when it does, things can go well,
everybody perhaps profile reconcile wants
Perhaps you need someone with a profile like (Morales') to reconcile this very fractured country. Everybody wants him to succeed, even the elites.
acted brazil cleaned countries key leadership position puts relations role saw states united
She saw the problem, acted well and wisely, and cleaned up the mess. It repairs relations with key countries like Brazil and puts the United States in a much better position to play a leadership role going forward.
afford castro half latin public states united
Much in the way Fidel Castro did for a half century, he said what a lot of Latin Americans would like to be able to say about the United States in a public forum, but don't and can't afford to.