A valuable volume for the scholar as well as the lay reader. Weintraub provides an artful, insightful analysis of the complex relationship between the [Southern Cone's] virtually simultaneous commitments to deomcratization and to market economics...Although optimistic that both developments have sufficient momentum to make their reversal unlikely, he underscores that the United States may have missed a major opportunity to advance them and enhance its own trade with the region by neglecting to pursue the Free Trade Area of the Americas... -- Alexander F. Watson, Former Assistant Secretary of State, Inter-American Affairs
An elegant analysis--of Southern Cone economics, of what the author politely calls our "ambiguous" Southern Cone policies, and finally of the interplay of hemispheric negotiations and global trade outcomes. Policymakers, please note. -- William D. Rogers, Former Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs
In this fascinating, erudite, and comprehensive account of a neglected and ambiguous aspect of American foreign policy, Sidney Weintraub focuses on the economic aspects that underpin U.S. behavior toward the Southern Cone, particularly yoward Mercosur, to explain the strategic interests that lurk behind a surprising lack of progress in trade relations...By analyzing U.S. interests jointly with the national incentives created by Mercosur, Weintraub adds an indispensable layer of sound realism to the discussion of foreign policy, particularly trade relations. -- Paulo Viera da Cunha, Senior Vice President, Lehman Brothers, Inc.
Product Description
Mercosur is an important experiment that could change the pattern of economic and political cooperation in the Southern Cone of South America if it succeeds in its main objective of increasing trade and diminishing regional conflict. If it fails, Mercosur will be seen as another example in a long history of Latin American integration efforts that could not overcome the fault lines of nationalistic tensions. The principle U.S. policy objectives in Latin America are to encourage market economics and representative democracy, and Mercosur is important to accomplishing these outcomes. Evidence shows that these U.S. policy goals are being achieved. Most solid democracies in Latin America are in the Southern Cone, and the market orientation of the main economies are holding firm despite recent economic troubles.
See all Editorial Reviews
