Commentary by Arthur Piccolo
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. September 25, 2024: President Biden’s final speech at the United Nations was a dangerous missed opportunity of historic proportions, for South America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In his speech, Biden made his usual robot like comments he has made many times before, covered conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza and emphasized the need for global cooperation, but pointedly omitted any serious mention of America south of the US border.
What is needed and his speech at the UN was the perfect opportunity for President Biden to present a new plan for the future of America and all its nations, a new positive enlightened doctrine. Instead, there was nothing.
As China continues to expand its economic footprint through projects like its Belt and Road Initiative, and Russia builds strategic ties in Venezuela and Cuba, the US is asleep at the wheel. China’s aggressive investments in infrastructure, energy and technology across Latin America are reshaping the region’s political and economic landscape. From Argentina to Brazil, Beijing is now the largest trading partner for many countries that once relied on US economic leadership. Meanwhile, Russia’s support for authoritarian regimes creates a political counterweight to American influence, leaving Washington’s role in the hemisphere increasingly diminished.
What is more alarming is Biden’s lack of any strategy to counter these growing influences, but even more our unwillingness to truly partner with our neighbors in our region. His speech did not mention how the US plans to strengthen diplomatic, economic or security partnerships in Latin America. Washington has decided to relinquish its influence in its own backyard. This is more than just an oversight; it is a dereliction of duty. South America, Latin America and the Caribbean face unprecedented challenges – migration crises, political instability, climate catastrophes and above all the desperate need for more economic opportunity – Biden’s silence at the UN on these issues proves that the US is pleased to watch from the side.
There is also no reason to hope it will be any different with Caribbean American Kamala Harris or Donald Trump as President next year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Arthur Piccolo is President of the Bowling Green Association of New York and a frequent contributor to News Americas
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