I am a Bolivian researcher, lecturer and blogger based in Latvia. I am focus on political communication and the coca issue in the Andean region. I also follow closely issues like ICT4D, new media and political participation, urban identities and street art.
My blog offers a view of all of the above, mainly in Spanish. You can look at my post in English and/or follow me on Twitter (@payorivero).
I enjoy photography a lot and use Free Software as much as I can.
Latest posts by Pablo Andres Rivero
Bolivia's President Morales vs CNN: A Controversial Interview
An interview by CNN presenter Ismael Cala with Bolivia's president Evo Morales triggered divided reactions. Some praise Cala's moderation, while others celebrate Morales' determination and authority against "imperialist" media.
Latin American Congress of Living Cultures
Rituals, reflections, poetic “assaults”… From May 17 to 23, 2013, the first Latin American Congress of Community Living Cultures [es] will invade the streets of La Paz, Bolivia. The city will host government representatives from Brazil and Colombia, along with more than one thousand activists.
Bolivian Workers Protest Seeking Better Pensions
Tension is growing in Bolivia as miners, teachers, health service workers and public university staff -all affiliated to the Central Workers Union- are on strike since May 6 demanding an increase in their retirement pension scheme.
Latin America after Chávez: Change and Continuity
As a staunch critic of the United States and a leading figure of the left-wing revival across Latin America, Hugo Chávez Frías has undoubtedly left a remarkable footprint on contemporary international politics. But what will come of his legacy?
Bolivia: Book Bill Excludes Copyleft
Bolivian activists are on alert [es] and writing a collaborative proposal [es] on the new Book and Reading Act [es] in the Plurinational Legislative Asemply (Parliament). The bill seeks to encourage the production and reading of texts of various kinds in the country; however, the bill passed by the Lower...
Bolivia Establishes the World's Largest Protected Wetland
Bolivia's government has designated three new wetlands in the 'Llanos of Moxos', an area that represents the combined size of the Netherlands and Belgium, under the Ramsar Convention. Activists and environmental organisations celebrate the decision but also urge to work harder for the conservation of the Amazon.
Football Fireworks Claim Minor and Media Ethics in Bolivia
Bolivian media used the Facebook image of a 14-year-old boy to cover his tragic death at an international football match where he was hit by celebratory fireworks in Oruro city. But was this move ethical, moral, or even legal?
Bolivia's President to Seek a Second (or Third?) Term
After Bolivia's ruling party announced that President Evo Morales will seek re-election in the next president contest scheduled for December 2014, debate ensued over whether his current term counts as his first or second, and whether the country's four-year-old constitution would allow him to run again.
Stormy Waters? The Maritime Border Disputes between Bolivia, Chile and Peru
The International Court of Justice is due to make a ruling on the longstanding maritime border dispute between Chile and Peru. Pablo Andres Rivero explains why the dispute has not boiled over into conflict and what the final outcome might mean for landlocked Bolivia’s maritime aspirations.
Ecuador: National Assembly's New Widget
Ecuador's National Assembly has a new widget [es]. Boosted by political communication specialist Antonio Gutiérrez-Rubi, the initiative “is an online directory for political activism and digital communication, a simple tool to first-hand know who they are, what applications they used and what is the online activity of the representatives in...
Bolivian Cyber Activists Uncover Potential QR Code Patent
Can the use of QR codes be patented in Bolivia? Cyber activists worked collectively to uncover a potential unlawful patent over the use of QR codes in the country.
Striker's ‘Scorpion Kick’ Goal Makes Bolivian Football History
Gastón Mealla, a 24 year-old Bolivian striker, made an improbable heel volley, a 'scorpion kick', scoring from outside the box during a local first-division match. FIFA nominated the goal to the 2012 Puskás Award. Despite not making the top 3 goals of the year, Gastón Mealla's astonishing scorpion kick will remain as one of the most spectacular goals of Bolivian football history.
2012 Census is Undergoing in Bolivia
Bolivia holds today, November 21, the National Census of Population and Housing 2012. Citizens are restricted from leaving their homes until 23.59 hrs local time. Media, bloggers and netizens are commenting and reporting via Twitter using #Censo2012 and #CensoBo.
Bolivia, Do You Have Internet?
After more than a decade, Bolivia’s National Census of Population and Housing will be held on November 21, 2012. There is only one question regarding Internet access, and it inquires only about the service, disregarding type of connection, quality, uses, and more. Analysts and activists argue that the government has missed an opportunity to collect in-depth information on this matter.
Ibero-America: Free Software Assessment Report 2012
The recently released Free Software Assessment Report 2012 shows the opinion, assessment and preferences of more than 5,000 people from Spain and Latin America. The study published in its fourth edition is promoted by PortalProgramas and supported by a number of experts and collaborators [es]. The report aims to contribute...
Bolivia: Vice President Keeping Track of Netizens’ Insults
A debate on the control of social networks was rekindled in Bolivia after vice president Álvaro García Linera stated that he is monitoring and taking note of netizens who are insulting President Evo Morales. Members of the opposition consider the statement a threat to freedom of speech, others support regulation, and some suggest the government should pay attention to other important issues people demand online.
Bolivian Politicians Turned ‘Gangnam Style’
The “Gangnam Style” parody has reached Bolivian politicians. Earlier this week, KwonBanYa, a Bolivian YouTube user, uploaded a humorous version of the Korean rap-pop song featuring prominent political figures.
Bolivia: One Killed as Rival Miners’ Conflict Escalates
The unresolved conflict between tin miners in Bolivia has escalated this week. On Tuesday, September 18, nine miners were injured and one died of his wounds after the use of dynamite during a clash between rival groups seeking to take control of the Colquiri zinc and tin mine.
Bolivia: 4 Injured in Clash Between Miners
Clashes between private cooperative miners from the La Paz Departmental Federation of Mining Cooperatives (Fedecomin in Spanish) and unionised miners from the state-run Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol in Spanish) are reported from downtown La Paz, Bolivia's seat of Government. The confronted groups are attacking each other using dynamite. Four injured...
Bolivia: Miners’ Dispute Holds La Paz Under Siege
Hundreds of miners are continuing to block the main access roads to La Paz. The blockade was sparked by a dispute between private cooperative miners and unionised miners over which group should control the recently expropriated Colquiri mine.
Bolivia: Former Minister Demands Investigation of Indigenous Repression
Bolivia's former Minister of Defense, María Cecilia Chacón, wrote a Facebook note breaking the silence after almost one year of her resignation. The note criticizes the appointment of former Minister of Interior, Sacha Llorenti, as ambassador to the United Nations, while the repression of indigenous TIPNIS remains unenlightened.
