Roger F. Noriega was asked to respond to the following question:

Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said last week the United States is losing its influence in Latin America, warning that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas trade group, Bank of the South development institution, and proposed anti-US military alliance threaten the region's stability. Do you agree? How can the US reassert its influence in the region?

Visiting Fellow Roger Noriega

It is not possible for the United States' influence in Latin America to be eclipsed by any  one country, let alone by Hugo Chavez's discredited and divisive Bolivarian movement. (Incidentally, Chavez's project itself is fueled by revenue from his heavy dependence on the US market.) Also, while China and Europe are increasing their commercial ties with the region, the United States remains the largest trading partner and investor in the Americas. Having said that, I do not see the power equation in the region as a "zero-sum" formula. I believe that it is possible for Latin countries to trade with China and Europe without the United States losing its place in the Hemisphere. When our fastest growing trade partners (which are in Latin America) experience growth in development and in income, that is good news for us. Second, Hugo Chavez cannot exercise leadership unless someone decides to follow. Those countries with wise and constructive leaders will continue to cultivate positive partnerships with the United States to tackle the issues of sustainable, equitable growth with real solutions. Third, the real question is not whether the United States has more or less influence but whether it uses the influence it has. A tentative, reticent posture creates the impression that we either do not know or we do not care what is happening in the Americas. I would much prefer that countries see the United States advancing our positive values and defending our natural interests than have them assume that we're indifferent to the challenges they are facing.

Roger F. Noriega is a visiting fellow at AEI. His law and advocacy firm, Tew Cardenas, LLP, represents U.S. and foreign governments and companies.