Owen Schalk is a columnist at Canadian Dimension. He is the author of Canada in Afghanistan: A History of Military, Diplomatic, Political and Media Failure, 2003–2023.
Panamanians have taken to the streets to protest neoliberal austerity, Canadian mining, and US military presence. Raúl Mulino’s right-wing government, closely allied with North American interests, has responded by arresting thousands.
A wave of mass protests in Panama, organized by environmentalists, indigenous activists, and trade unions, has forced the government to hold a referendum on the contract of Canadian-owned First Quantum Minerals, the country’s largest mining company.
Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the brutal coup that overthrew Chile’s democratically elected president, Salvador Allende. North American support for the coup wasn’t limited to US policymakers — the Canadian government was also complicit.
Jacobin recently sat down with Joe Casey, lead singer of critically acclaimed rock band Protomartyr, to discuss his hometown of Detroit and the dire state of US politics and the music industry today.
Mexican president AMLO has launched ambitious efforts to strengthen Mexico’s sovereignty over its energy, mining, and agriculture sectors. It’s provoked challenges to AMLO’s democratic mandate not only from the US, but also Canadian premier Justin Trudeau.
Following its failed crypto scheme, authoritarian president Nayib Bukele’s cash-strapped government is making moves to reverse El Salvador’s metal mining ban. Its reintroduction would be a disaster for the nation’s already contaminated water supply.