Institute of the Americas

For 25 years, the Institute of the Americas has been at the forefront of U.S.-Latin America cooperation, working with the public and private sectors to improve the economic, political and social well-being of people throughout the Americas. Led by Jeffrey Davidow, a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Venezuela, the Institute brings together industry leaders, policy makers and academics for frank and open discussions about challenges and opportunities in the Western Hemisphere. As an impartial and independent non-profit organization, the Institute hosts roundtables and professional workshops from its sweeping complex on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. The strategic location 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border allows the Institute to draw on Latin America’s vast array of experts for high-level conferences, as well as providing a unique showcase for the rich flavors, vibrant colors and rhythmic sounds of the Americas to a multinational community.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Institute of the Americas celebrates its 25th anniversary with  Nov. 15 conference at its headquarters on the UCSD in La Jolla. 
Latin America: The Next 25 Years will focus on  economic development, democratic stability and environmental sustainability in the
Western Hemisphere.

Confirmed speakers include:
Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican Ambassador to the United States
Mack McLarty, Former U.S Special Envoy to the Western Hemisphere
Diego Arria, Former Venezuelan Foreign Minister
Enrique Garcia, President of the Andean Finance Corporation (CAF)
Luis Rubio, Director of the Center of Research for Development (CIDAC)
in Mexico City
Sebastian Edwards, Professor of international economics, UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management
Roberto Suro,Professor, USC Annenberg School for Communication
Pamela Starr, Faculty Fellow, USC Center for Public Diplomacy

On the evening of November 15, the Institute will host a black-tie dinner celebration with a reception and entertainment. The IOA founders whose vision helped a bridge of understanding in the Americas will join us at the dinner. Former Mexican President  Ernesto Zedillo, who now serves as director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, will share his views on the global economy during his keynote address.

To purchase tickets for the dinner and the conference, click here.
Special rates for the conference are available to students and academics. Those who purchase tickets to the dinner are invited to attend the conference free of charge. To see the conference agenda, click here.

September 8-12, 2008
The Latino Vote: Why it will Affect the Outcome of the U.S. Presidential election  (Workshop will be conducted in Spanish)
Institute of the Americas
Weaver Conference Center

REGISTER |  AGENDA

Latinos, who now number 46 million or roughly 15 percent of the U.S. population,  account for 9 percent of this country’s eligible voters. That’s why political analysts say Latinos could be the “swing vote” in the fiercely fought presidential election.

We’ll turn our attention in this timely session to this pivotal block of voters who will help choose the next U.S president. We’ll get the latest polls, commentary and research from our panel of experts, who are taking the political pulse of the nation’s Latino communities.

Some 57 percent of registered Latino voters call themselves Democrats or identify with the Democratic Party. Roughly 23 percent say they favor the Republican Party.

How will they vote on Election Day? Will they help send presumptive Republican candidate John McCain to the White House? Or will Latinos choose the Democratic candidate for president?

Come and hear what political analysts, reporters, pollsters and academics have to say in these final weeks before the election.

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