Chile is undertaking a national search for the 1,162 individuals still missing from the 1,469 who disappeared during General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship from 1973 to 1990. This initiative comes as the country approaches the 50th anniversary of the coup that led to the military rule. President Gabriel Boric has signed a decree to formalize the search plan, emphasizing the state's duty to provide answers. The search is particularly poignant for families like that of Fernando Ortíz, a professor who was abducted in 1976 and whose remains were only recently identified.

Uruguay's pursuit of a trade deal with China, aimed at reducing tariffs and leveling the playing field for its beef exporters, has led to geopolitical tensions within the Mercosur trade bloc. President Luis Lacalle Pou's commitment to the deal has faced resistance from Brazil and Argentina, highlighting the challenges small nations face in navigating complex international trade dynamics.

Alejandro Astesiano, the chief bodyguard to Uruguay's center-right president Luis Lacalle Pou, was arrested for selling fake birth certificates to foreign citizens, predominantly Russians fleeing their country post-Ukraine invasion. The illegal operation, which dates back to 2013, escalated during Lacalle Pou's presidency, raising concerns about corruption in Uruguay.

A decade after the ousting of Paraguay's leftist president Fernando Lugo through a rapid parliamentary coup, the country's left has an opportunity to reclaim power in the upcoming 2023 elections. The conservative Colorado Party, which has dominated Paraguayan politics for decades, is currently weakened by internal conflicts. The opposition faces challenges such as overcoming structural obstacles and internal divisions. If successful, they could address issues like poverty, repression of activists, and environmental destruction. The article reflects on the violent history of Paraguay, the legacy of authoritarianism, and the structural weaknesses of the Paraguayan left while considering the potential for change in the political landscape.

Archaeologists in Arica, Chile, are struggling to preserve the Chinchorro mummies, the world's oldest known mummies, from the impacts of climate change. Unusual weather patterns in the Atacama Desert have exposed and damaged these ancient remains. Experts face the challenge of rescuing the mummies or focusing on those already excavated, as increasing humidity affects the mummies in collections. The recent UNESCO World Heritage status and the construction of a new museum may aid in their preservation. The Chinchorro culture, dating back to 5000 BC, is known for its elaborate mummification techniques and aesthetic value. Local residents feel a connection to the Chinchorro, but efforts to promote tourism are hindered by land disputes. The mayor of the local community hopes that Chile's constitutional reform will lead to better protection of the mummies, which are at risk of vanishing due to climate change.

A book by Brazilian historian Alfredo da Mota Menezes, recently published in Paraguay, challenges the long-held belief that Britain was a 'fourth ally' in the 19th-century War of the Triple Alliance, which involved Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The book, titled 'The War Is Ours: England Didn’t Cause the Paraguayan War,' argues that the conflict's causes were entirely regional, based on extensive research of British diplomatic correspondence. Despite the theory's popularity, which suggests British economic motives, historians like María Victoria Barrata and Ana Barreto Vallinoti support the book's findings. The narrative of British involvement persists, partly due to psychological reasons, offering a form of consolation for Paraguay. Parlasur has voted to create a commission to examine the conflict's 'crimes against humanity,' with some members still pointing to British influence.

Mexican archaeologists are warning that significant budget cuts to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) will harm research into Mexico's pre-Columbian past and leave ancient sites vulnerable to looters. The 75% cut to INAH's operating budget is part of a broader austerity drive by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who is redirecting resources to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Critics argue that the cuts are unnecessary and will render INAH inoperative, affecting heritage sites, museums, and the search for missing people. The cuts come as new archaeological discoveries are being made, highlighting the importance of preserving Mexico's deep indigenous past.

In June 2020, a hostage situation occurred in the central Peruvian Andes when four subcontractors from Israeli telecoms firm Gilat were detained by the indigenous Chopcca community while attempting to fix an internet mast. The community, which had been observing a strict coronavirus lockdown, was influenced by conspiracy theories linking Covid-19 to 5G networks, spread via social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Despite technological isolation, the Chopcca have access to the internet and use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook Lite. The incident reflects broader issues of misinformation and mistrust towards external interventions in indigenous communities. After negotiations, the detained workers were released, and the community expressed a desire to use the internet for educational purposes.

Evo Morales, Bolivia's longest-serving president, has been forced into exile following allegations of electoral fraud and a military suggestion to step down. His political journey began in El Chapare as a coca farmer and unionist, leading to his presidency in 2005. Morales' tenure saw significant economic growth and social reforms, but also accusations of authoritarianism, environmental damage, and vanity projects. Despite initial successes likened to Nelson Mandela's achievements, Morales' reluctance to groom a successor and constitutional manipulations to extend his term led to his downfall. The country now faces uncertainty, with interim leader Jeanine Áñez promising new elections amidst tensions and the dismantling of Morales' legacy.

Evo Morales, Bolivia's longest-serving president, has been forced into exile following allegations of electoral fraud and a military suggestion to step down. His political journey began in El Chapare, where he rose from a coca farmer to a union leader and eventually to the presidency. Morales' tenure saw significant economic growth and social reforms, but also accusations of authoritarianism, environmental damage, and vanity projects. Despite initial successes, his reluctance to groom a successor and attempts to extend his presidency led to widespread protests and a political crisis. The interim administration led by Jeanine Áñez has promised new elections amidst a tense and uncertain atmosphere.

In Chile, statues of Spanish conquistadors and other historical figures associated with the oppression of the indigenous Mapuche people have been toppled and desecrated amid widespread protests against inequality and state repression. The actions in cities like Temuco and Concepción symbolize a rejection of the official historical narrative and reflect the Mapuche's grievances over land ownership, pollution, and limited political representation. The unrest has reignited debates similar to those about Confederate monuments in the US and imperialist statues in the UK. Mapuche activists are pushing for constitutional changes to recognize Chile as a plurinational state, granting native peoples greater autonomy.

A collaborative project between archaeologists, historians, and astronomers, including Jimena Cruz, Dr Cecilia Sanhueza, and astronomers from ALMA and ESO, has uncovered the purpose of the saywas, ancient stone markers in Chile's Atacama desert. These markers, part of the Inca road network, align with the sun on solstices and other significant dates, serving calendrical, ritual, and political functions. The findings, which also involved interviews with retired llama herders and a survey of the saywas, confirm the markers' role in broadcasting the Inca's sacred power and mark borders between climatic zones. The research contributes to the appreciation of northern Chile's indigenous heritage.

El Alto, Bolivia, is gaining attention for its New Andean Architecture, a style characterized by vibrant colors and a mix of Asian, Andean, and Hollywood influences. Freddy Mamani, a local architect, is at the forefront of this movement, creating buildings that express the identity of Bolivia's indigenous majority. The style, which includes venues like Salon de Eventos Princípe Alexander, is seen as a physical demonstration of economic power by the city's upwardly-mobile residents. Gastón Gallardo, dean of the Higher University of San Andrés, views it as a decolonization of the symbolic order. The architecture is gaining international interest, with projects planned for cities like Paris and potentially New York, Miami, and California.

Paraguay elected Mario Abdo Benítez as president on April 22, with the Colorado Party maintaining power by a narrow margin. The election revealed the party's strong campaign strategies and the importance of unity, while also highlighting the inaccuracies of pre-election polls. The traditional two-party system showed signs of weakening, with new parties emerging and the possibility of constitutional reform in 2019. The article also discusses the role of the media in election coverage and the potential for increased negotiation and inclusivity in Paraguayan politics.

Mario Abdo Benítez, associated with Paraguay's former dictator Alfredo Stroessner, won the Paraguayan election, narrowly defeating Efraín Alegre of the centre-left Alianza coalition. Despite leading in polls, Benítez's victory margin was the smallest since the return to democracy. His campaign focused on family values and hinted at military service, while avoiding outright condemnation of the dictatorship. The election result indicates a potential end to the Colorado Party's long-standing dominance, with the opposition gaining more seats in congress. Activists, including Gerónimo Ayala, remain committed to challenging the conservative political establishment.

In 2018, over 350 million voters in Latin America will elect new presidents in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. The elections are expected to reflect a popular reaction against corruption rather than a left-right ideological swing. High-profile elections include Mexico's Andrés Manuel López Obrador leading polls despite controversial proposals, and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leading despite corruption charges. Far-right Jair Bolsonaro is also gaining traction in Brazil. Issues like cleaner government, rejection of political elites, and peace processes are central to voters' concerns. Venezuela's elections are uncertain due to political repression, while Bolivia and Nicaragua face challenges to democracy. Chile's Sebastian Piñera faces a divided congress in his second term. The region continues to struggle with sluggish economies, corruption, security, and drug-related violence.

Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes appealed for calm following protests sparked by constitutional changes to allow his re-election. The unrest led to the storming of congress and the death of activist Rodrigo Quintana. Cartes offered condolences and promised justice, blaming business and media interests for the protests. Despite the turmoil, Cartes spoke at an investment conference, promoting Paraguay's economy. The opposition held a vigil for Quintana and called for Cartes' impeachment. The police officer responsible for Quintana's death claimed to have used rubber projectiles, and both the interior minister and police chief resigned. The mayor of Asunción urged the withdrawal of the re-election proposal, and international bodies called for dialogue. Further protests were expected.

Violent protests erupted in Asunción, Paraguay, following political maneuvers that could allow President Horacio Cartes to seek re-election in 2018, a move opposition parties have labeled a 'coup d'etat.' The unrest led to the storming of the country's congress and its subsequent arson. The situation escalated with the death of a 25-year-old activist, Rodrigo Quintana, during a police raid on the opposition Liberal party's headquarters. This incident has raised fears of further protests. The president of the Liberal party, Efraín Alegre, was also injured in the clashes. Over 200 protesters were detained, and the police force remains on high alert. The government, supported by the Colorado party, argues that the re-election policy has a significant mandate, while opponents are challenging the amendment in court.

Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, backed by the rightwing Colorado Party, is attempting to amend the constitution to allow for his re-election in 2018, a move that has been met with significant opposition and concerns of a slide towards dictatorship. Despite public opposition, the Colorado Party and some opposition legislators are pushing procedural changes in the Senate to introduce a re-election bill. Opposition parties, dissident Colorados, and citizens are resisting, with allegations of bribery and fears of a 'coup d'etat'. The political crisis follows the 2012 impeachment of leftwing President Fernando Lugo, who now seems to support the amendment, potentially benefiting from it in future elections.

The Paraguay-Paraná hidrovía, stretching over 2,100 miles through South America, serves as a major commercial artery for agricultural produce, metals, manufactured goods, and fuel. Despite its environmental benefits over the region's substandard road network, the waterway faces challenges due to uneven regulations and costs imposed by the countries it connects, reflecting broader integration failures within Mercosur. The disparities in taxation and business conditions have led companies like Grupo Vessel to reposition in Paraguay, where the tax rate is significantly lower than in Argentina. The journey along the hidrovía reveals the disparities between the countries, with Paraguay's ports and river channels being less developed. However, there is evidence of slow but growing cooperation among the countries, with recent improvements in inter-governmental management and a shared interest in making the hidrovía more efficient. Despite the potential for increased shipping volumes, the route's management and development remain cautious, balancing economic interests with environmental concerns.

The article by Laurence Blair, winner of the 2015 Bodley Head/FT essay prize, explores Bolivia's historical loss of its coastline to Chile during the War of the Pacific and its ongoing quest for sovereign access to the sea. It details the life of Second Lieutenant Nicolas Espejo at a remote Bolivian naval base and the country's efforts to build an international seaport at Puerto Busch with the help of a $7bn loan from the China Development Bank. The port is part of Bolivia's strategy to export resources and gain maritime access, despite being landlocked. The article also covers Bolivia's lawsuit against Chile at the International Court of Justice, seeking negotiations for sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. The piece delves into the psychological impact of the territorial loss on Bolivia's national identity and the aggressive rhetoric in Bolivia-Chile relations. It concludes with Bolivia's hope that the new port will fulfill its maritime aspirations, symbolically challenging its landlocked status.

In Paraguay, a country plagued by underdevelopment and wealth inequality, many rural communities have turned to marijuana cultivation as a means of survival. The National Anti-Drugs Secretariat (Senad) conducts eradication operations to combat the drug trade, which is fueled by economic desperation and has led to significant violence and corruption. Political movements like the Partido Paraguay Pyahura advocate for small-scale farmers, while organizations like the World Wildlife Fund support sustainable farming practices as an alternative to drug cultivation. Despite efforts to modernize drug policy and address the root causes of narcotrafficking, the challenge remains significant, with deep-seated issues of poverty and land distribution at its core.