Venezuela has been in a political and economic slow boil for nearly 15 or so years and, lately, it has become a regional and, arguably, a hemispheric crisis. Many Latin America policy experts want to directly intervene in Venezuela; some policymakers have suggested U.S. military engagement. In the long run but with one exception, the United [...]
A benefit of traveling outside the United States, or engaging in conversation with foreigners visiting the United States, is the perspective they can bring to a political discussion. Yes, I know what some of you are probably thinking, in some circles, it is impolite to talk politics, but despite my best efforts to avoid it [...]
The International Economic Emergency Powers Act ("IEEPA") was amended by the Congress last week and includes a section that will help raise awareness of a long-time threat in the Western Hemisphere posed by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. The small but important change to IEEPA now requires that the executive branch conduct reviews of "... [...]
A new generation of Nicaraguan leader is grappling with political and economic issues their parents and grandparents were supposed to have resolved. The reality is that Nicaragua remains one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere and, unless new leaders fund a new way forward, it will go the way of Cuba and Venezuela. [...]
Most Americans have no idea about the arcane world of export controls, economic sanctions, or any of the many other national security laws that regulate U.S. commercial business. Part of the reason: it can be drier than the tax code. While it may not make the headlines, it is the thing of many a Hollywood [...]
In less than two weeks Members of Congress will, finally, join in on the export control reform dialogue that the Obama Administration initiated in August 2009. The Export Control Reform Initiative (ECR Initiative) builds upon an inter-agency review process and is supposed "to enhance U.S. national security and strengthen the United States’ ability to counter threats [...]
