Enhancing U.S. National Security: The Case for Hemispheric Free Trade
Abstract
On June 27, 1990, President George Bush announced the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative (EAI). The centerpiece of that Initiative is a proposal for free trade throughout the Americas. The proposal represents a significant departure in U.S. policy toward the rest of the hemisphere by stressing mutually beneficial trade, rather than aid, as the basis for economic relations, development, and growth. The President's proposal as been heralded by most of the hemisphere's leaders but is opposed by some groups, both in the United States and abroad. The study reviews the genesis of the proposal--the dramatic pro-democracy and pro-market reforms of the past few years--and examines the theoretical basis for hemispheric free trade within the context of global U.S. trade policy. It concludes that hemispheric free trade, if pursued in consonance with our global trade objectives, would enhance U.S. and hemispheric prosperity and security. It concludes further that decisive U.S. leadership is necessary to bring the vision of free trade in all the Americas to fruition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251439
Entities
People
- Rafael L. Marin
Organizations
- United States Army War College