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In light of the current global economic crisis, Hugo Chávez and his populist acolytes across Latin America have been quick to blame U.S. economic policies for their suffering. Notwithstanding, America’s belief in free markets and free trade is no longer just a Washington consensus -- it is a global consensus. As a new U.S. president takes office this January, he will likely look to engage Latin America economically and pursue partnerships across the region. But leaders from this region may be shrewd to reciprocate with commitments to free people and free markets; governance and institutional reform; and, most important, security. Join us as José R. Cárdenas from the Latin America and Caribbean Bureau of the U.S. Agency for International Development; Peter DeShazo of the Center for Strategic and International Studies; John Maisto of the U.S. Education Finance Corporation and former senior Foreign Service officer and ambassador to the Organization of American States; and Ray Walser of the Heritage Foundation discuss how Latin American countries must take responsibility for their future economic and political progress. AEI’s Roger F. Noriega will moderate.