Discussion surrounding the Central American economy has come to hinge almost entirely on the question of whether the US sinks into recession. This reveals the degree to which Latin America has split in two: South America has joined the multi-polar world in which the fates of India and China - the “emerging giants” – are critical, whereas Central America, according to most analysts, is still operating in the uni-polar world, bracing itself for every hiccup in the US economy. To be sure, a few lone voices dispute this, but they are undisputably in the minority. For the most part, there is consensus that a US recession will have two effects on Central America : reducing the demand for isthmus goods and slowing the flow of remittances. A recent report on employment by the US government indicates that, indeed, remittances are at risk.

In recent decades, a growing number of public officials have been drawn from two of Guatemala's most prominent think tanks: the Association for Research and Social Studies (ASIES) and the National Center for Economic Research (CIEN). Over the past 50 years, think tanks have become increasingly influential political actors responsible for churning out technocrats who are then absorbed into government ranks and producing studies that will shape public policy. But who finances these think tanks and what is their agenda? And what happens when all think tanks appear to think the same way? Central America Report examines the role of think tanks in Guatemalan politics and asks why conservative groups appear to be winning the battle of ideas.

By Louisa Reynolds

The first study to examine freedom of expression in Costa Rica makes it clear that a change has occurred in the culture of media in the country. Increasingly, Costa Ricans are demanding space to express their opinions and ideas. The traditional mediums of communication are no longer sufficient and their message is considered to be manipulated. The survey component of the study reiterates the supremacy of television over other mediums as the primary source of information. However, the internet is gaining ground as a viable alternative. The survey further finds that despite the fact that most of those surveyed voted in favor of the Dominican Republic – Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) during the national referendum last October, more than 60% consider that the media's message was manipulated.