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.
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.
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.
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.
consensus move
There's no consensus on how to move forward.
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.
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.
america chavez latin
The way Robertson's declarations will play in Latin America is that Chavez is right and that the U.S. is out to get him.
beyond build difficult felt peace support
They felt that if prosecution was allowed, it would be very difficult to build peace and go beyond the conflict. On the other hand, it does support impunity, which is not helpful.
central directing led produce reaction risk seen strong
There is a risk that such an idea will be seen as led by the U.S., or if the U.S. was seen as coordinating or directing it, ... That is problematic and could produce a strong reaction in Central America.
gotten lowest relations
Relations are probably at their lowest point. Things have gotten very bad. The two governments are on a collision course.
carries consequences economy fully likely proposed quite supporters
If Morales fully carries out his proposed agenda, the consequences would be likely to be quite problematic. His supporters may be happy, but Bolivia's economy would not be viable.