The polarizing former president of Colombia, Ivan Duque, recently spoke out in favor of a more proactive role for the United States in Latin America. In a statement issued during an interview in Washington D.C., Duque called for the US to provide “more investment” and “more assistance” in order to promote a more sustainable future for the region.
Duque, who left the presidency of Colombia in early August of this year, has a long track record of advocating for stronger ties between the US and Latin America. During his tenure, he maintained positive relations with the United States and supported US-led initiatives such as Plan Colombia.
Duque’s recent call for a greater US presence in Latin America comes in the wake of increasing social and political unrest across the region. In many cases, this unrest has been linked to the effects of US-backed policies, such as the war on drugs. This has led to an aversion to American intervention among many Latin American governments and citizens.
However, despite this antipathy, Duque believes that a more proactive role for the US in Latin America could lead to long-term development and stability. He argues that increased investment in infrastructure, education, and other sectors could help stave off political unrest and secure a more prosperous future for the region.
Duque also emphasizes the need for the US to play a diplomatic role in inter-regional conflicts, encouraging dialogue and cooperative solutions. He acknowledges that international organizations and allies must also take an active role in promoting peace and security in Latin America.
The former Colombian president’s views on the US presence in Latin America have stirred controversy, but his comments reflect his belief that the region’s stability and prosperity depend greatly on US involvement. Whether or not the US heeds Duque’s call remains to be seen, but his words provide an important reminder of the importance of American leadership in Latin America.