The best way to reduce the appeal of Chavismo is to expand trade and other ties in the region and broaden our interests beyond our current narrow security concerns of terrorism, drugs and immigration. And patently obviously we must greatly reduce our dependence on the oil that gives all this clout to thuggish regimes all over the world.
In the end, however, Latin America will continue to generate Castros and Chavezes, no matter what we do, until its people demand and get real change. Some “old leftists” and “centrists” are trying today, with limited success. But ever more Latins are again looking for miracles from messiahs, for quick fixes from Chavez-type caudillos. Nothing will really transform Latin America, however, except good leaders with broad popular support implementing sound, pragmatic political, economic and educational programs over the long term. And that, alas, is not yet happening in much of the hemisphere.
