Contents    Prev    Next    Last

Chapter VIII.  Develop Agendas for Cooperative Action with the Other Main Centers of Global Power

 Section C.  The Way Ahead - 1.  The Western Hemisphere

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

             

        These principles guide our relations within our own Hemisphere, the frontline of defense

        of American national security.  Our goal remains a hemisphere fully democratic, bound

        together by good will, security cooperation, and the opportunity for all our citizens to

        prosper.  Tyrants and those who would follow them belong to a different era and must not

        be allowed to reverse the progress of the last two decades.  Countries in the Hemisphere

        must be helped to the path of sustained political and economic development.  The

        deceptive appeal of anti-free market populism must not be allowed to erode political

        freedoms and trap the Hemisphere's poorest in cycles of poverty.  If America's nearest

        neighbors are not secure and stable, then Americans will be less secure.

         

        Our strategy for the Hemisphere begins with deepening key relationships with Canada

        and Mexico, a foundation of shared values and cooperative policies that can be extended

        throughout the region.  We must continue to work with our neighbors in the Hemisphere

        to reduce illegal immigration and promote expanded economic opportunity for

        marginalized populations.  We must also solidify strategic relationships with regional

        leaders in Central and South America and the Caribbean who are deepening their

        commitment to democratic values.  And we must continue to work with regional partners

        to make multilateral institutions like the OAS and the Inter-American Development Bank

        more effective and better able to foster concerted action to address threats that may arise

        to the region's stability, security, prosperity, or democratic progress.  Together, these

        partnerships can advance our four strategic priorities for the region:  bolstering security,

        strengthening democratic institutions, promoting prosperity, and investing in people.

         

       

	Contents    Prev    Next    Last