The autocrat’s worst nightmare is not only a united and unified Europe, but also an American continent that possesses the resources and resolve to push for a common approach to today’s global energy challenges.
Even as ongoing crises capture Washington’s attention, what happens in Latin America and the Caribbean will always reach U.S. shores, thereby necessitating committed and consistent attention to its neighbors—one that is met with action and resources.
Today, the Biden administration’s Latin America policy turns one year old, and a check-in on the state of affairs is warranted.
Media coverage of the December 8-10 Summit for Democracy has largely focused on President Joe Biden’s remarks, coupled with critical reactions from China, Russia, and skeptical U.S. pundits. Few U.S. commentators seem to have bothered to listen to the three days of often thoughtful remarks by other world leaders and the many intelligent, emotionally engaging panelists representing a broad swath of civil society, business, and academia.
While the Summits of the Americas have faced challenges, and the goals of the first summit remain largely unrealized, this does not mean that the process is futile or that it cannot be revived to meet the needs of the Americas in the 21st century.
At a Summit of the Americas that has been defined by its absences—Maduro, Trump, PPK—the region’s remaining leaders should stand up for free trade and democracy.
Though this year’s summit is likely to be dominated by regional crises, the U.S. and its like-minded partners should still work together to advance a rules-based democratic agenda.
Rumors have circulated that President Trump may not attend the 8th Summit of the Americas when it meets in Lima this April. If true, it will be more evidence of a careless (or willful) ceding of goodwill and leadership in our neighborhood.
La Cumbre de las Américas se aproxima, pero más allá del caos y escándalos de corrupción un tema permanece latente: la desinvitación a Venezuela y la sostenida bienvenida a Cuba.
As corruption scandals claim the Summit of the Americas host president, Peru’s Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the fate of the April regional pow wow remains in doubt. Regardless of whether the heads of state meet, civil society still has a lot to say and do.
