The truths and fictions surrounding Obama’s rhetoric on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and why getting back to basics is the real change America may be looking for: With the election season in full force, it is once again time for political squabbling to break out as candidates strategically move to the center in search of undecided voters. The transformation from being a primary candidate to presidential frontrunner already is profoundly affecting...
In October 2007, as President Bush enthusiastically introduced the Mérida Initiative, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) proposed an alternative plan for aid to Latin America, the Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act (s2120). Fully aware of the threat that narco-trafficking poses to the security of the Americas, as well as to its hemispheric partners, Menendez believes the answer to such social pathologies should go beyond an increase to a country’s security forces...
Late last week, Ecuador’s Central Bank Minister Robert Andrade resigned in the wake of the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly’s resounding 94-32 vote approving a new constitution that is likely to strip the financial institution of its autonomy. If ratified in a countrywide referendum on September 28, the new constitution will be Ecuador’s twentieth such organic document since the country achieved its independence in 1830. President Rafael Correa of the Alianza Party has ferociously supported the...
The governing idea behind NAFTA is to remove trade restrictions so as to encourage the free-flow of goods and services across the North American continent. Along the U.S. – Mexican border, however, the reality is that the ground transportation of such goods remains highly congested and drawn out. Long-haul trucks from Mexico are restricted from operating in the U.S. except within designated commercial zones located in border-cities such as San Diego, El Paso and...
By light years, Washington traditionally has held the upper hand when it comes to foreign influence on Latin America. Its hemispheric power-advantage rests on decades of security, trade, investment, and ideological connections. However, the era of globalization is now tearing down many of the world’s hemispheric divides. Latin America is rapidly diversifying its international relations as major regional powerhouses, such as China, increase their presence in the region. Many view...
