1. Latin America Regional and Global Issues

2. Environment n 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.

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

6. Human Rights n 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.

7. Drug Trade n Cocaine, heroin and marijuana are the most common produced drugs in Latin America n High demand in the U.S. & Europe, coupled with poverty in Latin America fuel the drug trade n The U.S. has offered economic aid to help combat the drug trade. n Latin American governments’ view: if the demand for drugs in the US remains strong, then the illegal drug trade will continue

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

9. Free Trade n Trade without restrictions or tariffs

10. Examples of regional cooperation: Organization of American States (OAS) n Designed to help solve regional disputes peacefully, prevent foreign intervention and help promote economic growth and democracy in the region.

11. North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA) n Includes U.S., Mexico and Canada