Before the American presidential election, poll results all around the globe indicated that there was an accentuated anti-Bush feeling. The poll numbers had Kerry as the winner, showing deep dislike of the President of the United States.
In Latin American countries, Bush’s unpopularity was probably aroused not so much because of the Iraq war, but because of old resentments related to past U.S.-military presence in their countries. This is how the people feel.
Those who hold power, though, have a different vision. Concerned with trade and attached to the everyday ups and downs of the economic market, relating to numbers before they develop feelings and opinions, they are also less concerned with the Iraq war, but their eyes are on trade deals.
While common people worry about Bush’s arrogance and what things will be like now that he does not have to worry about reelection and is a lot freer to act, the not so common people who rule think differently. Aware that the Free Trade Area of the Americas pact is still crawling along and may take a long time to happen, the power boardrooms see Bush as a more reliable partner than his competitor Kerry, in order to reach their goals of free trade with the American market.
Leftist, yes, but eager to trade
One could argue that there has been a shift to the left in Latin America, with its most powerful nations, Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela led by leftist presidents. But if on one hand these leaders are indeed more critical of Bush’s choices in the war on terrorism, they are showing through actions that they too want access to the American markets. Such access would be of crucial importance for the region, which has been fighting poverty and is working towards economic growth. Some of Brazilian President Lula’s left-wing men have made public that they believe Kerry would be less arrogant, and he would actually work for more world cooperation, something that does not agree with Bush’s interests. But, and there is always a but, many seem to think Kerry would be more protectionist. What is really behind such remarks is that President Bush will be a better negotiator of Latin American countries’ interest to enter U.S. markets. Other remarks coming from different Latin countries are similar – Bush is better for the trade. The financial market already shows some changes seen as positive. As far as their interests are concerned, each country has different hopes.
If the United States doesn’t, China will
Critics of the Bush-is-good-for-Latin-America standpoint argue that the American President does not seem to have Latin America on his agenda at all after 9/11. A gap between Washington and Latin America, a region that supplies many key goods, including a great amount of oil to the U.S. economy, is not a good sign. Leftist Latin America most likely will not put up with being ignored and that could mean a radical turn to China, not only diplomatically, but with trade as well, which could hurt the United States.
In Brazil, President Lula is already taking steps with China as he does not intend to be left hanging. Lula has been to China and President Hu Jintao, of China, has been to Brazil. Trade between the two countries is already being emphasized and the numbers start to grow. During Jintao’s visit, China and Brazil signed a contract for international partnership with laundry/dry cleaning services and patisseries, with Chinese pastries and Brazilian sugar cane juice.
The lack of attention from the United States towards Latin America leaves room for concerns.
Could it be that the Bush administration is just not seeing what is happening? Could it be that the arrogance is such that the China trade possibility is not even considered, or seen as a real threat? Or could it be that Latin America’s relationship with the United States is just being taken for granted?
Secretary of State Colin Power’s resignation adds to that concern, as the Bush administration loses its moderate man. Will Condoleeza Rice make any moves to fill in the gap?
