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A Collaborative Contract
This is what Latin America wants from the next leader of the United States, much more than any bilateral expression of support or good will. Such gestures will, of course, be welcome. But alliances in the region should not be grounded, as they have been in the past, on instrumental purposes alone. The United States must make it clear that deeper principles are involved.
What's needed is a real spirit of collaboration. Latin America wants to help build a more symmetrical and equitable global order, based on needs and interests, but also on moral values and respect for cultural autonomy.
Wishful thinking? Idealism? Maybe. But that's what's needed today to counteract the pessimism brought on by the United States' unilateralism and its infringements of international law. To be credible, Washington's rapprochement with Latin America will require it to set an example. If the United States can give tangible proof that it can act with generosity—for example, by reducing domestic subsidies that hinder access to U.S. markets—then perhaps it will be able to rebuild lost trust. If not, it will remain the target of suspicion and will be unable to attain its objectives or consolidate a more stable, just and reliable global order.
Cardoso was president of Brazil from 1995 through 2002.
© 2007
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Member Comments
Posted By: Charlesmagne Mundin @ 02/09/2008 12:48:20 PM
Comment: Dear morbie5, like many other countries in the world, Brazil paid the price for the local elite's alignment with American Interest. The income gap got wider thanks to the past and still present American intervention in Latin America, where instead of democracy it supported dictators, as long as they were not communists. America gave Latin America another unwanted present in the form of Hugo Chavez, whom is in power thanks to his anti-American bravado and the oil price which is been pushed up by the Bush Clan and allies in the boardroom of the oil companies. We should also blame the extremely shallow Brazilian elite whom should have looked elsewhere to plot the country's development . Also I would like to suggest that you read some articles about the BRIC countries, it may broaden your limited view on this issue and can prevent you in the future to make these ill informed comments. Please do not be another ignorant living in a bubble 'We Are The World" or maybe you are just another one of the Bush voters . There are life outside the United States of America. Charlemagne
Posted By: morbie5 @ 12/13/2007 7:01:51 PM
Comment: I agree that Iraq was a horrible mistake. It is way to costly in terms of lives and in money. That aside our markets are by far the most open in the world. Almost every country we trade with takes advantage of this fact and prevents us from having equal access to their own markets. Our national debt and trade deficits are huge. Why should we trade with Brazil if you aren't increasing your workers wages, making sure your factories are safe, and reduce pollution. Brazil has horrible race relations and a huge income gap. You can't even go in to the major cities with out fear of getting robbed. Why don't you complain to the super rich that live in gated communities in Rio that take advantage of the poor before you complain to us.