Regional and Global Issues Latin America Regional and Global Issues

Environmental Issues Economic growth occurs at the expense of the environment. Countries worried about feeding their increasing populations and paying foreign debts are not concerned with their impact on the environment.

Debt Crisis Developing countries borrow money to help develop and modernize Many countries default (stop paying back) on their loans which hurts the lending bank.

Human Rights Human rights abuses often occur because the government in charge, usually run by the military, wants to keep opposition to their regime to a minimum.

Drug Trade Cocaine, heroin and marijuana are the most common produced drugs in Latin America High demand in the U.S. & Europe, coupled with poverty in Latin America fuel the drug trade The U.S. has offered economic aid to help combat the drug trade.

Regional Cooperation Many countries have joined together to create regional common markets. Common markets promote trade among the countries involved, and hopefully benefit their economies. Ex. OAS

Free Trade Trade without restrictions or tariffs Increase regional trade to have a positive impact on respective economies Ex. NAFTA, LAFTA