Former Colombian President Ivan Duque is calling for the United States to take a more proactive role in tackling the various development, security, and political issues facing Latin America. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, he said that countries in the region should “align to some extent with Washington” and that “the U.S. should be a partner in developing Latin America.”
Duque argued that the current administration has been “isolating itself from the diverse and complex realities” in the region, a situation which he says can only be addressed with increased American engagement. He believes that increased engagement can help Latin America by making it easier to attract investment and assist with issues such as infrastructure and democracy. He noted that the current surge in U.S-Mexico border crossings represents a key security challenge for the U.S. and that American involvement in the region could have a positive impact in helping to stem the tide.
Overall, President Duque is hopeful for the future, but says that for the region to reach its full potential, the United States must take a more proactive role in Latin America. He believes that American efforts to promote economic and political stability, coupled with initiatives to encourage social justice and economic development, could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
