Asuncion's options in trade relationships are constrained by geography.

Generational changes worldwide will be hard to deny in 2013.

By mid-century, South America will experience the demographic challenges that Europe and Northeast Asia currently face.

Increased Bolivian cocaine production will fuel greater U.S. involvement in regional anti-trafficking efforts.

The new administration may be forced to concede in the face of regional countries' threats.

The Paraguayan Senate voted to impeach President Fernando Lugo.

The presence of Brazilian migrants in neighboring countries factors into Brasilia's growing role in the region.

Trade tensions in the four-member Latin American trading bloc Mercosur are running high, with long-term damaging implications.