Americas Quarterly

example, the next president will be dealing with Cuba’s transition from Fidel Castro’s 49-year rule. Cubans deserve an opportunity to free themselves from the oppression of a decades-long dictatorship. Sadly, this dictatorship has gained strength and international sympathy as a result of the isolation imposed by the United States. If the U.S. extends a hand to the Cuban people (not the Cuban government), the old rhetoric of the Castro regime will lose its force.

Another case where a more collaborative policy could have an impact is Venezuela.

President Hugo Chávez offers oil to win the support of other countries in the region, but the U. S. continues to pretend nothing is happening. Opening up to the biofuels that Latin American countries can export to America and supporting, both logistically and economically, the development of renewable technologies for power generation are some other things the U. S. could do to support this region. Reducing the consumption of oil— particularly Venezuelan oil— would undercut President Chávez’s ability to buy support in the region.

In the past 20 years Latin

America has advanced significantly on the political front. However, as democracy continues to be challenged by populists who feed themselves on poverty, Latin Americans need to join forces with the U.S. and fight this battle both ideologically and economically.

Let us work together for the betterment of our economies, for the security of our people, and for our common values. Let us become full partners in a multicultural, global community, and let us not allow the mistakes of past presidents to disconnect t.wo regions with _so _much _in _common _and _{so much} _to _gain.