Not only is action needed, but there is now an opening in which such action would be welcomed. Two decades ago, a swath of the hemisphere was governed by instinctively anti-American administrations. Today, however, there is a sizable cohort of center-to-right governments that are pro-American: in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. These countries want greater investment from the United States, as well as alternatives to excessive dependence on China. Many are also willing to undertake reforms that their predecessors postponed. The United States should take advantage of this opportunity, and target governments that want closer strategic relations with Washington, as well as with American companies. Washington should demonstrate that closer economic alignment with the United States brings advantages, including greater access to development financing, more American investment, faster project development, and participation in initiatives on energy, critical minerals, food and fertilizer, water, and digital infrastructure. The success of that effort should lead other countries to join. Membership should remain open to governments willing to meet high standards on business climate, treatment of U.S. investors, transparency, and trusted strategic infrastructure.
