Hysteria over bloodshed in Mexico clouds the real challenge: the rising violence is a product of democratization -- and the only real solution is to continue strengthening Mexican democracy.

Clean-energy technology is expensive and the United States is spending far too little on developing it.

Shannon O'Neil discusses the prospects for the United States' relationship with Brazil.

Drug trafficking, changing immigration trends, and rising economic opportunities are the major issues the winner of the 2012 U.S. presidential election faces in dealing with Latin America, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil.

Shannon K. O'Neil says domestic responsibility and action are needed to win Mexico's drug war.

The March 2-3 visit of Mexico's president to Washington offers a chance at easing tensions over the cross-border drug trade, and far more than security issues are at stake, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil.

In this Markets and Democracy Brief, Shannon O'Neil charts the progress of Mexico's economic and democratic reforms. She sees grounds for optimism on both fronts but concludes that Mexico risks falling behind unless it redoubles efforts to overcome its authoritarian past.

Dora Beszterczey and Shannon K. O'Neil say the best crime fighting strategy in Latin America may be improving economic opportunities for all.

This study examines low-carbon technology innovation and absorption in China, India, and Brazil. It recommends a course for U.S. policy that promotes accelerated innovation and adoption of new technologies while protecting U.S. commercial interests.

Clean-energy technology is expensive and the United States is spending far too little on developing it.

Shannon K. O'Neil testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs and  Committee on Homeland Security on the way forward for U.S.-Mexico security cooperation.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón's state visit to Washington could highlight immigration concerns at a time of growing cross-border partnership on Mexico's drug war, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil.

Shannon O'Neil discusses how Mexico and the United States are heading toward a new collaboration in tackling drug violence.

A new shift in U.S.-Mexico security cooperation that focuses on border surveillance and the underpinnings of drug violence is a good long-term approach, but will require patience on both sides, says CFR Latin America expert Shannon O'Neil.

In Ciudad Juarez, where three people with connections to the U.S. consulate were killed over the weekend, it's local gangs rather than drug cartels that are spreading violence, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil. To fight them, part of what's needed is better law and police enforcement and better education.

Shannon O'Neil discusses the prospects for the United States' relationship with Brazil.

The election of a new president, argues Shannon K. O'Neil, ushers in new era for politics in Chile.

CFR Fellow Shannon K. O'Neil says Brazil is "taking ownership" of diplomacy surrounding the Honduras political stalemate in part because the Organization of American States has been unable to effectively manage the crisis.

Shannon K. O'Neil provides an annotated Foreign Affairs syllabus on Mexican politics.

Shannon K. O'Neil discusses crime and violence in Venezuela.

This report from the Center for International Governance (CIGI) identifies opportunities to lay the groundwork for the development of concrete initiatives to address the
strategic needs of the Western Hemisphere for a sustainable energy future.

Brazen assassinations, kidnappings, and political intimidation by drug lords conjure up images of Colombia in the early 1990s. Yet today it is Mexico that is being engulfed by escalating violence, and U.S. gun laws, immigration rules, drug control and border policies all have exacerbated the problems.