Skimm #2

April 12, 2017
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The Story

Last Saturday thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets to protest the banning of opposition leader Henrique Capriles from politics for the next 15 years following a long week of protests in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling against the National Assembly, a move that was subsequently revoked. There has been retaliatory action taken by the police, with tear gas and rubber bullets aimed at protesters in Caracas and San Cristobal and one activist confirmed dead.

What Happens Next?

As of now protesters continue to battle with pro-government police forces, and many are unsure of the duration of the conflict. According to BBC News, “Opposition politician Freddy Guevara called it a ‘battle of resistance.’”

How Much Does it Cost?

According to a report by the United Nations Development Program and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, zika, a disease that has famously swept the Americas in the past two years, could end up costing the region around $18 billion. Well-known for its impact on unborn children, zika virus has the potential to damage not just lives, but national socioeconomic development as well. And not all countries will bear the weight equally: “While larger economies such as Brazil could bear the greatest “absolute” burden, but the most “severe” impacts are likely be felt in the poorest countries such as Haiti,” (UN News Centre).

China Heading South for the Summer?

According to NBC News, Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly looking to expand economic prospects south of the U.S. border. Because the United States has transitioned to more frosty relations with Latin America, with Trump maintaining a firm stance against NAFTA, countries in the region have taken to looking elsewhere for economic support. “Meanwhile, China lends the region a lot of money — around $30 billion in 2015, up from $231 million in 2005. And the funds largely come with no strings attached,” (Frayer). In the coming months, the world will be monitoring China’s continuing movements, as well as the US’s response.

Sources in order of appearance

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39542181

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39566512

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56514#.WO123qOZP-Y

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-ventures-america-s-backyard-latin-america-n740001