CFP Contributor David Harris provides a perspective on US-Latin American relations, following the Summit of the Americas:

It may be good news that US-Latin American relations look to be improving but the restoration of ambassadors is only the first of many steps required for true reconciliation.  The newfound solidarity of Latin American nations and the ALBA trade bloc shows that the United States must reconcile and forge ties with all of the region’s countries.  Latin American countries have developed a newfound brotherhood of sorts, with the ultimate aim being increased political leverage and mutual benefit and prosperity.  The United States would have trouble picking and choosing its allies in the region, if that were ever the idea.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has always been a strong critic of the United States, accusing then President George W. Bush of “being a donkey“, trying to topple his government and even murder the man.  Chavez’s gift to Obama during the summit, a book entitled “Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent”, was accepted warmly by the current President.

However, words and photo opportunities are only the beginning of the healing process.  Leaders already do these things anyway – friend and foe alike.  Bolivian President Morales has still asked President Obama to denounce a supposed assassination plot against the Bolivian leader that officials say was foiled this week… but he also shook his hand.  President Morales backed Cuba, claiming it had the support of the entire world in response to the American trade embargo against it. 

President Obama announced that “the US seeks a new beginning with Cuba”, and that he wanted to engage the nations of the Americans with a sense of “equal partnership”.  US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed talks with Cuban President Raul Castro.  Cuba, however, was still not invited to the Summit of the Americas… baby steps.

The leaders of Latin American nations are now, more than ever, realizing their cooperation will lead to mutual gain.  In order to improve relations with one nation, it seems the United States must improve relations with another.  Restoring diplomatic ties and easing embargo restrictions are the first steps, and not the final one.  The embargo in Cuba was designed to dethrone Fidel Castro almost 50 years ago.  It started with partial trade sanctions in 1960, and a full economic embargo in 1962.

None of this has worked.  Easing trade and diplomacy will at least give American corporations the chance to grow in new markets.  These days, the embargo has done nothing but leave Cuban children hungry and rob US companies of potential growth and profits.  Cuba’s aging and underdeveloped infrastructure can be repaired, for a cost, and although Latin American solidarity presents a tougher negotiating opponent, the opportunity for growth and investment still exists for foreign companies.  American companies may find they are operating in profitable emerging markets, should their government allow those markets to exist and flourish.

It is time for competitive corporate integration into these markets.  The rules may be a little stricter in the years to come, but there will still be more opportunities present.  The sweetening of US-Latin American relations is a good sign. 

Sometimes, it pays to be polite.