Elle Ruggiero

China

China’s Growing Influence in Latin America
For more than two decades, China has developed close economic and security ties with many Latin American countries, including Brazil and Venezuela. But Beijing’s growing sway in the region has raised concerns in Washington and beyond.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy January 10, 2025

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico: A U.S. Territory in Crisis
The Caribbean island, which shares a close yet fraught relationship with the U.S. mainland, faces a multilayered economic and social crisis rooted in long-standing policy and compounded by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, migration, and government mismanagement.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy and Amelia Cheatham January 8, 2025

Latin America

Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc
Three decades after its founding, Latin America’s largest trade bloc continues to seek new global agreements. The recent conclusion of a deal with the European Union could help, but it faces roadblocks.  

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors December 12, 2024

Top Stories on CFR

Climate Change

The L.A. Fires Show the Need for Climate Realism
The wildfires scorching the region around Los Angeles are likely to be the most expensive in history. But, future climate change-related disasters will certainly top them in cost. Here are some steps to limit the damage.

Expert Brief by Varun Sivaram January 9, 2025

Conflict Prevention

Conflicts to Watch in 2025
U.S. foreign policy experts rank the thirty global conflicts that could most significantly affect the United States in 2025.

Report by Paul B. Stares January 7, 2025 Center for Preventive Action

United States

Transition 2025: What Will Donald Trump Do About Iran?
Each Friday, I examine what is happening with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to the White House. This week: The forty-seventh president wants a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and faces a big decision if he cannot get it.

Post by James M. Lindsay January 3, 2025 The Water's Edge