20. Dezember 2020
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said: „The attacks of September 11, 2001 have happened. As after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States was plunged into a fundamentally different world. . This new reality has led us to significant changes in our policy. We recognize that the democratic construction of the state is now an integral part of our national interest. And in the Middle East, we recognize that freedom and democracy are the only ideas that can lead to just and lasting stability over time. The cause of Pierce`s pet – the annexation of Cuba – was not much more successful. For years, the countries of the South had coveted the large island as a place to develop their agricultural economy, motivated by slavery. The failure of filibustering expeditions during the Taylor and Fillmore presidencies was evidence of southern attempts to obtain this Caribbean property from Spain. In its public statements in support of free trade agreements, including the „Memorandum of Understanding“ for the negotiation of an agreement, the government has often outlined a number of reasons why a specific negotiation would be in the interest of U.S. foreign policy. The promotion of democracy and American values has been mentioned in most agreements. For example, in his declaration of intent to Congress to conclude a free trade agreement with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, the President said, „This agreement will write a new page in our history with Central America – a lasting commitment to democracy, peaceful regional integration, economic opportunity and hope.“ [17] U.S.
trade negotiators have seen a free trade agreement, both in terms of trade and foreign policy. In his Memorandum of Understanding to negotiate the trade agreement, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said, „By removing and then removing hemispheric trade barriers, the free trade agreement will provide significant and growing foreign markets for U.S. goods and services. The FREI trade agreement will also strengthen the rule of law, consolidate economic reforms throughout the hemisphere and strengthen the democratic principles that unite FTA countries. [35] The creation of a U.S. Free Trade Area is a U.S. goal, at the latest since President George H. W. Bush announced the Enterprise of the Americas initiative in June 1990. [32] To expand trade, he announced that the United States „is ready to enter into free trade agreements with other markets in Latin America and the Caribbean… We look forward to the day when America will not only be the first fully free democratic hemisphere, but will all be equal partners in a free trade area that stretches from the port of Anchorage to Tierra del Fuego. [33] Ultimately, one of the best ways to support the growth of democratic institutions and civil society is to develop free and fair trade and investment.
The process of implementing a trade agreement or a bilateral investment agreement is already helping to accelerate and consolidate democratic development. Legal and political institutions that are able to enforce property rights are better able to protect human rights and the rule of law. Independent tribunals capable of resolving commercial disputes are better able to resolve civil and political disputes. The transparency needed to combat corruption in companies makes it difficult for political corruption to go unnoticed and unpunished. An emerging middle class is also creating new centres of social power for political movements and parties. Trade is currently a divisive issue in our country, but let us not forget that it is essential not only for the health of our domestic economy, but also for the success of our foreign policy. [18] In November 2003, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) also informed Congress of its intention to negotiate with Panama.
The reasons explained were that an „FTA with Panama will contribute to our efforts to