This study examines how citizens in two major Latin American countries—Brazil and Mexico—perceive the concept of the “Global South.” In recent years, as the international order has been reconfigured, social and academic interest in the Global South has grown considerably. Yet the concept remains ambiguously defined, and its interpretation varies across countries. Brazil has actively positioned itself as a leader of the Global South, whereas Mexico, with its strong ties to the United States, has maintained a more ambivalent stance. While previous studies have increasingly analyzed the perceptions of state elites on the Global South, few have empirically examined how ordinary citizens understand the concept. Based on an original online survey conducted in both countries, this study finds that the concept of the Global South carries distinct meanings: in Mexico, it is associated with international cooperation and a preference for diverse multilateral relations, whereas in Brazil, it is closely linked to support for the Lula administration, an emphasis on emerging powers, and a more confrontational view of the global order.

Rodrigo Paz was elected as the incoming president of Bolivia following the first round of voting on August 17, 2025, and the runoff election on October 19 of the same year. The Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), which had held power from 2006 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2025, obtained a low vote share in the first round and failed to advance to the second round. This paper overviews the 2025 election process and analyzes the reasons behind the change in government. The primary reason is economic voting. An economic crisis triggered by currency devaluation due to depleted foreign exchange reserves and fuel shortages started to be observed by the public in 2024. The crisis has structural causes, and even President Luis Arce, who previously served as Minister of Economy and Finance, was unable to correct the macroeconomic imbalances. Meanwhile, the MAS split into factions, one seeking the reinstatement of former President Evo Morales, and another opposing this, thereby fragmenting their supporters. We argue that the government’s poor handling of economic challenges, combined with the fragmentation of candidates within both the MAS and the opposition, paved the way for the change in government.

Although Argentina is considered safer than other Latin American countries, rising theft and drug cartel activity have increased citizens' sense of insecurity, making improvements to public safety a key political challenge. President Milei, who took office in 2023, has focused extensively on security policy. Consistent with his far-right reputation, his policy approach leans toward punitive measures. This paper examines how the Milei administration has articulated and implemented its tough-on-crime agenda. First, President Milei's tough-on-crime rhetoric not only advocates for harsher penalties but also reflects his criticism of the opposition and his policy stance of prioritizing a free market economy. This presents his multiple-angle rhetoric of the necessity of tough measures. Second, the administration actively promotes punitive legal frameworks, such as military intervention in domestic security and restrictions on demonstrations. This reveals that institutional preparations are ongoing for punitive measures. The Milei administration's case provides significant insights into the background and institutional aspects of punitive policies that have recently been observed in Latin America.

Chile's public pension system is globally recognized for its early adoption of a funded pension system, administered by private company. However, structural flaws have become apparent since the 2000s, leading to multiple rounds of reforms. While previous reforms have primarily focused on expanding the non-contributory pension component, the 2025 reform is groundbreaking in its scale and scope. Poverty among the elderly has significantly improved, and opinion polls confirm a decline in the proportion of people viewing the pension system as a major political issue. Conversely, criticism persists regarding the public pension system's weak redistributive function and the sustainability of the individually funded scheme. This paper analyzes the effects and limitations of the 2025 pension reform using opinion data categorized by income level and political stance.

The use of digital wallets is expanding rapidly in Peru. Digital payments are now not only possible at commercial facilities, but also at small street-side shops and stalls, on public transport such as buses and taxis, and for paying utility bills and taxes. Consequently, many citizens now manage their daily lives with just a smartphone, carrying no physical wallets or cash.

The adoption of digital wallets is being driven by the convenience of easily sending and receiving money via smartphone, the expansion of online shopping during the pandemic, an increased aversion to handling cash and the absence of transaction fees or terminal installation costs.

Government authorities are developing relevant regulations and implementing measures to enhance convenience, such as the digital disbursement of welfare and salaries, and interoperability between wallets. Furthermore, by monitoring and utilizing digital payment transaction records, the government aims to promote inclusion in tax and social security systems, leading to labor formalization and strengthening the fiscal foundation.

However, new challenges have emerged in recent years, including rising digital fraud and insufficient financial and digital literacy. Moving forward, advancing financial inclusion and labor formalization through digital wallets will require parallel efforts to address these risks and expand financial education.