Author Description

The United States is facing a relative decline in direct global influence and must focus on building and strengthening partnerships. Latin America s key markets, natural resources, proximity and mutual interests make it an ideal location for focus. As other large state actors are expanding spheres of influence, the U.S. is facing greater competition and has lost market share of critical resources and corresponding economic and strategic advantages. A new era of cooperation in the Americas is vital to our mutual interests in this globalized market, and should be ushered in by an unwavering resolve by the U.S. to assist with a full complement of smart powers economic, diplomatic, social (equality and justice) and the softer side of the military (humanitarian assistance, training, equipping and interagency cooperation).