In Bolivia, where the state is weak, the justice system is, to say the least, imperfect, and people are poor, it is not uncommon for people to take justice into their own hands. I won't turn this harsh reality into an abstract discussion, but rather recount a tale told to me by a very [...]

There is a fundamental difference between developed countries and the developing world. First World countries have institutionalized a culture of entrepreneurship.  This is not to say that developing countries are populated by people with less ambition and capacity, or an inferior work [...]

To many observers, the election of Evo Morales may seem like a victory orchestrated only by Bolivia's rural and lower class voters. Bolivians will be the first to tell you that this is not the case. In La Paz before the elections, some of the finest automobiles in the country were decked [...]

It seems to me that the new Morales government is working hard to make Bolivia a more independent nation. In May of 2003, when I left Bolivia after a three year stay, receipts and invoices were only given upon request. For most businesses, invoices and sales receipts were anathema. At the time, this [...]

Upon arriving in Cochabamba, one of the first things I notice is that the sidewalks are full. At mid-day, high school students congest the sidewalks, talking, laughing, flirting, and then walking off in smaller groups to some other destination. [...]