At present, China could significantly expand its political influence in South America. There are a number of important events coming up in the second half of the year.

After Europe and North America, it remains the region with the highest density of democracy in the world. However, the lack of security is the main reason why authoritarian governments are tolerated.

One against all: Argentina is fighting over water rights on the Río Paraná. After the upcoming elections there, it could become even more difficult to find a common position.

Latin America’s business cities are expensive by international standards – but at the same time offer only medium quality of life.

In South America, the democracies were able to hold their own: This is particularly true of Brazil, Colombia and Chile.

Mercosur was divided at the most recent summit. Brazil urgently needs to provide impetus for a new integration of South America.

A free trade zone has just been agreed with Singapore and Uruguay wants to open up to China, while the EU and EFTA are holding back.

Even though the systems are under heavy pressure, Latin America remains the region with the highest density of democracies after North America and Western Europe.

However, individual economists see high inflation as a greater threat to growth in the region than the new covid wave.

At the same time, digital transformation could bring much-needed productivity gains to the region.