Elections & Energy Policy Brief

ELECTIONS & ENERGY | La Jolla Conference 30 th Anniversary Policy Brief FIRST IN A SERIES OF LA JOLLA CONFERENCE 30 TH ANNIVERSARY POLICY BRIEFS

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LATIN AMERICA POST-PANDEMIC

In early January 2021, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) predicted a fraught and difficult electoral process for Latin America. IISS expected the ongoing spread of Covid-19, ensuing severe economic recession and the disenchantment by the population with their governments’ response to the pandemic, to challenge incumbents and increase popular uprisings (IISS 2021). The predictions of the IISS have proven to be correct. But clearly, Latin America’s difficulties preceded the pandemic. This Policy Brief is based upon discussions as part of the Institute of the Americas 30 th La Jolla Energy Conference and a Virtual Roundtable held under Chatham House Rules.

The goal is to summarize and add context to those discussions by noting macro trends that impacted the region prior the Covid-19 pandemic, how the pandemic made the situation worse and an overarching analysis of the uncertain future in terms of its political choices and implications for the energy sector, with an emphasis on Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY BRIEF | INSITUTE OF THE AMERICAS