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

Countries That Cut Debt, Taxes and Spending Are Thriving

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

The Falklands and Entangling Alliances

By Doug Bandow. National Interest. March 20, 2013.

Venezuela: On the Death of Chávez and the Ailing Bolivar

By Steve H. Hanke. Huffington Post. March 12, 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

Marching against Hugo Chávez

Yon Goicoechea. Cato's Letter. Summer 2008.

Empowering Workers: The Privatization of Social Security in Chile

José Piñera. Cato's Letters. Spring 1996.

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.