Using Chavez as Counterpoint, Bush Pursues Latin Trade Pacts

In an effort to push new trade accords with Peru, Panama and Colombia through US Congress, President Bush has repeatedly insisted that these accords would strengthen democracy in the region and weaken the influence of Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez. Democrats, labor unions and advocacy groups – Bush’s main opposition to this agenda – are skeptical of rhetoric that makes free trade a synonym for democracy. While both Democrats and Republicans agree that the totalitarian tendencies of the Chávez regime are cause for regional concern, Democrats are more concerned about human-rights abuses that occur under “ally” governments, including Colombia, where labor advocates continue to be murdered “with impunity.” A general resistance to trade deals with Latin America stems from domestic concern for the security of American manufacturing jobs. Politicians and policymakers must determine the many affected by such trade accords – who benefits and who loses? Approval for a trade agreement with Peru is likely, and less certain for Panama and Colombia. The trade deals are just the tip of a political and economic iceberg; the disagreement arises over just how much they will produce in terms of jobs, improved work conditions, populism, and reduction of political rancor and violence. – YaleGlobal