23-03-2017: Latin American Weekly Report

Last week saw the anniversary of the birth of Bernardo O’Higgins. A revolutionary leader, he led the forces to secure independence from Spain, establishing the new Republic of Chile, creating a working governmental organisation and establishing peace and order, based on the principles of freedom and democracy. Principles which resonate today and which are at the heart of what is happening now in Chile - writes Fiona Clouder.

Gustavo Petro has served as President of Colombia for 100 days. In Canning House's latest blog, Dr Gwen Burnyeat and Dr Andrei Gómez-Suárez give their view on his tenure so far, including his focus on "Total Peace" and environmental protection, and ahead to the challenges he can expect going forward.