Working Group
South America
Empowering a continent of opportunity and growth
The Working Group South America, exploring security, governance, and economic trends, analyses political stability, organised crime, and foreign influence in South America. It assesses regional defence cooperation, trade relations, and security threats. Monthly briefings offer fact-based analyses and visualisations on South America's evolving geopolitical role in international affairs.
Publications
USAID freeze and its impact on South America
How the 90-day suspension of USAID threatens key development, security, and humanitarian efforts
The main question is how the 90-day USAID freeze affects South America. The argument is that the suspension will disrupt critical programs in Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru, impacting peacebuilding, environmental efforts, humanitarian aid, and economic growth. The conclusion is that while some countries plan to continue without U.S. support, the freeze risks slowing progress and straining resources in these nations.
Brazil and De-Dollarization
Brazil's BRICS Leadership Pushes De-Dollarization as the Trump Administration Threatens Retaliation
How will Brazil's BRICS presidency in 2025 affect global de-dollarization efforts and U.S. relations? Brazil's leadership of BRICS prioritizes developing alternative payment methods and reducing dollar dependency. The initiative faces significant challenges as Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations pursuing de-dollarization, creating tension between Brazil's regional leadership ambitions and its substantial U.S. trade relationship.
Peru's Exports to U.S. & China in APEC
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Main Question: How is the competition between China and the U.S. shaping Peru's role as a trade hub in the Pacific? Argument: The 2024 APEC Summit highlighted China's growing influence in Peru, exemplified by the Chancay Megaport, while U.S.-Peru ties face uncertainty due to President-elect Trump’s tariff plans. Conclusion: Peru’s strategic infrastructure projects position it as a trade hub, with China leading investments and the U.S. aiming to maintain relevance despite challenges.
