- Statement of Significance:
- US policy towards Latin America is increasing in importance. Issues of border security, immigration, and economic growth are central to any discussion of US/Latin American relationships. Conflict in Colombia, emerging socialism in Venezuela, Bolivia and Brazil, as well as possible regime change in Cuba make the region ripe for debate and discussion.
- The topic is interesting, provocative and challenging because:
- There are a wealth of emerging themes in Latin American policy. From Mexican economic problems to several Trade Promotion Agreements in the area, there is a wide range of debatable issues. The resolutions can range from specific issues (like trade or conflict) or be a more holistic approach to the region. Latin America is often overlooked and would provide an excellent opportunity for debaters.
- Potential Arguments:
- Affirmative
- 1. Immigration Reform
- 2. Colombian-TPA
- 3. Panama-TPA
- 4. Fund the “Merida Initiative”
- 5. CAFTA
- 6. NAFTA
- Negative
- 1. Mexico CP
- 2. Brazil CP
- 3. Hegemony DA
- 4. Free Trade DA
- 5. Oil DA
- Possible Resolutions:
- Resolved: The USFG should substantially change its Latin American trade policy.
- Resolved: The USFG should substantially increase its foreign assistance to Latin America.
- Resolved: The USFG should ratify one of the following Free Trade Agreements: Colombia, Panama, Peru or Ecuador.
- Sources:
- Heritage Foundation – Latin America: http://www.heritage.org/Research/LatinAmerica/wm1767.cfm
- CATO – Latin America and Carribean: http://www.cato.org/subtopic_display_new.php?topic_id=45&ra_id=8
- Foreign Policy In Focus – Latin America and Carribean: http://www.fpif.org/fpifindex/latam/
- Council on Foreign Relations – Americas: http://www.cfr.org/region/210/americas.html
Links to 2008-2009 Topic Papers
