WOLA: Advocacy for Human Rights in the Americas
25 Nov 2008 | Publication

Forging New Ties: A Fresh Approach to U.S. Policy in Latin America

Download the report Download the Executive Summary

The Washington Office on Latin America’s plan for an overhaul of U.S.-Latin America relations gives the next administration important recommendations on how the United States can rebuild its standing in Latin America by putting relations on a new footing based on engagement, respect, and collective action on common challenges.

The Washington Office on Latin America’s plan for an overhaul of U.S.-Latin America relations represents a new vision for this country’s relationship with our hemispheric neighbors. The plan, entitled “Forging New Ties,” demonstrates strategic thinking on a critical area of U.S. policy and gives clear recommendations for the next administration.

In the last several months, organizations such as the Brookings Institution, the Inter-American Dialogue, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Center for Strategic International Studies released their plans for a new relationship with Latin America. While differences remain on some issues, many important commonalities have emerged from these plans on recommendations regarding poverty reduction, improving citizen security, and consolidating democratic institutions and human rights.

“Forging New Ties” shows how the United States can rebuild its standing in Latin America by putting relations on a new footing based on engagement, respect, and collective action on common challenges.