In limited but important ways, Washington can positively influence economic policy in Latin America. At a time when some countries in the region have seen the rise of populist governments, political turmoil, and a general backlash against free-market reforms that were partially implemented in the 1990s, the United States should exercise its influence by opening its market to the region’s goods and by encouraging market reforms.

More on Latin America and Caribbean

Commentary

Letter to the Editor: Venezuela Hit by Fears of Hyperinflation and Recession

By Steve H. Hanke. Financial Times. June 13, 2013.

Time for Obama to Own Up to Drug Violence

By Juan Carlos Hidalgo. Huffington Post. May 2, 2013.

Countries That Cut Debt, Taxes and Spending Are Thriving

By Alan Reynolds. Investor’s Business Daily. April 3, 2013.

Cato Studies

Undermining Mexico’s Dangerous Drug Cartels

By Ted Galen Carpenter. Policy Analysis No. 688. November 15, 2011.

Trade Agreement Would Promote U.S. Exports and Colombian Civil Society

By Juan Carlos Hidalgo and Daniel Griswold. Free Trade Bulletin No. 44. February 15, 2011.

Freedom and Exchange in Communist Cuba

By Yoani Sánchez. Development Briefing Paper No. 5. June 16, 2010.

Articles

Should Latin America Worry About a Weak Dollar?

Steve H. Hanke. Latin America Advisor. June 2, 2003.

Reviews & Journals

The Future of Freedom in Cuba

Policy Report. May/June 2013.

Using Technology to Understand Mexico’s Epidemic of Violence

Policy Report. May/June 2013.

Marching against Hugo Chávez

Yon Goicoechea. Cato's Letter. Summer 2008.

Events

The Future of Freedom in Cuba

Featuring Ian Vásquez. March 19, 2013. Policy Forum.

Understanding Mexico’s Epidemic of Violence: Telling Stories with New Media, Technology, and Big Data

Featuring Juan Carlos Hidalgo. March 12, 2013. Policy Forum.

A Populist Capture of the Organization of American States?

Featuring Juan Carlos Hidalgo. February 19, 2013. Policy Forum.