Costa Rican President’s Corruption Defense Reveals Political Intrigue But Raises US Security Concerns

In an unprecedented move, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves personally appeared before lawmakers to fight corruption charges that could jeopardize his immunity and political career. This spectacle shines a harsh light on the fragility of governance in our hemisphere, with implications far beyond Central America. Is Costa Rica's Political Crisis a Sign of Broader Regional Weakness? Chaves stands accused of pressuring a contractor tied to an international financial institution to divert funds to a former campaign adviser—a serious allegation if true. Yet the president vehemently denies wrongdoing, accusing the nation’s attorney general and Supreme Court magistrates of orchestrating a "judicial...