Debates and articles from across the openDemocracy website that discuss or are relevant to the Americas
South Dakota, sexual politics, and the American elections
This is an "only in America" story that takes place in the small, conservative state of South Dakota. A few months ago, the national media were obsessed with this state's effort to ban all abortions. Recently, the story has faded, eclipsed by other electoral news, most notably the sharply worsening situation in Iraq and domestic scandals. But the effort to forbid all abortions is far from an insignificant matter.
War, law and American democracy
The Bush administration has undermined international law and subverted national democracy, justifying both by the cultivation of fear. Chip Pitts & Bryan Long assess the damage and how it can be repaired.
Climate change and American politics: reply to James Crabtree
The politics of energy in an era of global warming are reshaping United States politics from below, says Carl Pope of leading green movement the Sierra Club.
New frontiers: from Iraq to outer space
The United States leadership's unbounded military ambition stems from an absolute need to maintain control.
The Bob Woodward version
The tangled story of investigative journalist Bob Woodward's relationship with the Bush administration reveals the White House's subtle entrapment of his form of reportage, says Sidney Blumenthal.
Election and empire
George Bush may change course on Iraq. Democrats may gain in US elections. But, argues Norman Birnbaum, America will suffer because of its hubris.
Ecuador's election surprise
The bursting of Rafael Correa's inflated expectations makes Ecuador's second round contest all the more interesting, writes Guy Hedgecoe.
Getting colder: climate change and America's elections
Climate change, the defining issue of 21st-century politics, barely registers in the United States's pre-election debate. The reason lies in the current grain of American politics, argues James Crabtree.
Venezuela: a seat at the top table
Hugo Chávez's vigorous campaign to secure a United Nations Security Council place for Venezuela is based on outmoded views of national sovereignty and human rights, argues Phil Gunson in Caracas.
Don't forget Nicaragua
An electoral pact between presidential candidates Daniel Ortega and Arnoldo Alemán puts Nicaragua's democracy itself at stake, says the country's former vice-president Sergio Ramírez.
While Susan Sontag lay dying
As a writer Susan Sontag located herself behind her subject. After her death it is her personality that is memorialised. Angela McRobbie deciphers this use of a great intellectual's legacy.
'Wide Sargasso Sea,' Jean Rhys
Alexis Hood may have swooned over the brooding Mr. Rochester, but she finds that the mad woman in the attic has a darker and more compelling story.
Long life lines
New Orleans meets Beirut in Las Vegas and discovers solidarity in the embrace of life. Jim Gabour reports.
Brazil, let's talk
The run off between Lula and Geraldo Alckmin on 29 October is an opportunity for real debate about Brazil's political future, says Arthur Ituassu.
A state of denial
The story of a security document assessing the predicament of the United States in Iraq is a chapter in the Bush administration's political use of national intelligence, says Sidney Blumenthal.
This week's editor
Europe from the bottom up
European debate
Democratic Wealth
Nuclear non-proliferation
oDRussia at journalismfestival .com
Mali - the plot thickens
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Remote control war
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Conference coverage from 50.50
Articles exploring the themes of the fourth international Nobel Women's Initiative conference May 28-31. Jennifer Allsopp and Heather McRobie will be reporting for 5050
Articles exploring the themes of the fourth international Nobel Women's Initiative conference May 28-31. Jennifer Allsopp and Heather McRobie will be reporting for 5050
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Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
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Lis Howell On broadcasting
Dan Hancox Revel, Riot and Rebellion
Martin Rose Bliss Was It in that Dawn to Be Next Door
Vron Ware Up in Arms
Jim Gabour Sunday Comics
James Warner Standing Perpendicular, as books do
Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
Mary Kaldor on Human security
