PUBLICATIONS BY James M. Roberts
Commentary
Research
Media Appearances
2009 Commentary
October 01, 2009
The G-20: Less Is More
By James M. Roberts
If the G-20 resists the statist temptation, it can actually do some good. Those who enjoy the endless rounds of televised high-level summitry that increasingly dominate the world of international diplomacy are in luck this week.
March 26, 2009
Restore and Expand Mexico Truck Program
By James M. Roberts
The Obama Administration should restore funding to the Mexico pilot truck program, expand it and make it permanent.
2008 Commentary
December 05, 2008
Abnormal Regimes Don't Merit Normal Relations
By James M. Roberts
Hard-left groups in the United States want to "normalize" diplomatic relations with Venezuela and Cuba. They want Congress to lift the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba and they're urging President-elect Obama to meet one-on-one with his Venezuelan counterpart at next April's Summit of the Americas meeting in Trinidad. Neither idea is a good one. Cuba and Venezuela are definitely not "normal" countries.
November 07, 2008
Kirchners Make a Grab for Private Pensions to Bail Out Argentina
By James M. Roberts
On Oct. 21, Argentina’s government, led by Peronist President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her predecessor, Néstor Kirchner, announced their intention to expropriate $30 billion held by Argentine citizens in private pension funds (similar to 401(k) retirement savings accounts). The Kirchners need the money to refinance old bad debts so that they can borrow yet more money to keep the country afloat. The announcement rocked investor confidence in Argentina and sent the Buenos Aires stock market plunging.
June 16, 2008
The Argentina Farmers' Strike
By James M. Roberts
It's quite a comedown for what was one of the world's wealthiest countries 100 years ago. Argentina's economic glory days are long gone, thanks to the dysfunctional economic policies of Gen. Juan Domingo Peron and his political progeny, who have clung to power in Argentina more or less continuously since the 1940s.
June 05, 2008
Mexico Needs Reforms
By Israel Ortega
Mexico should open its nationalized oil, natural gas, and electricity sectors to private investment and participation.
April 22, 2008
Protectionist Congress Losing Latin America
By James Roberts and Ray Walser
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation's attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" In 1980, it was "Who lost Iran?" In 2008, voters may rightfully begin to ask who lost an entire region. In this case, it will be "Who lost Latin America?"
February 27, 2008
Big Labor & The Truth About Colombia
By James Roberts
Delays in approving the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement is workers and their families in the United States and Colombia.
February 12, 2008
A Wish List for 2008
By James Roberts and Ray Walser
In 2007, parts of Latin America continued to backslide toward leftist, authoritarian political rule. However, mixed into the record were many positive developments for democracy and free markets. The future of Latin America will have a great impact on the United States' economy, energy supply, and border security. Below is a list of 10 storylines that The Heritage Foundation would like to see take place in 2008—and the U.S. measures that can help them become a reality.
January 15, 2008
Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega's First Year
By James Roberts
Daniel Ortega's renewed anti-American rhetoric, destabilizing economic policies, and friendship with Chávez and Ahmadinejad bode ill.
2007 Commentary
December 13, 2007
Reduce Chavez Oil, Help Latin Neighbors
By James Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
The US should extend the ATPDEA with Bolivia and Ecuador and negotiate FTAs with Paraguay and Uruguay.
October 30, 2007
Cristina and the U.S: No Change
By James Roberts
As president, Cristina Fernandez will likely continue Argentina's dependence on socialist Venezuela rather than embrace free market reforms.
September 25, 2007
US-Colombia Trade Pact Would Serve Both Countries Well.
By James Roberts
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, a staunch ally of the United States and supporter of market-based democracy, has been fighting with great courage and success since 2002 to build a more democratic and prosperous Colombia. Yet, liberal Democrats in Congress have all but declared dead on arrival a U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement that would encourage continued progress in Colombia. To make matters worse, they have proposed significant changes and cuts to the fiscal year 2008 budget for Plan Colombia, the successful joint U.S.–Colombia anti-narcotics program. To bolster prosperity and security for both the United States and Latin America, Congress must continue to assist and engage one of America’s closest friends in the Andean region.
2009 Research
October 22, 2009
The U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement: A Good Deal for America
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2664)
For the past nine months, the Obama Administration and Congress have allowed three free trade agreements --Colombia, Panama, and South Korea --to languish unapproved. This unacceptable delay hurts American workers and the U.S. economy.
October 20, 2009
State Department Strategy Review Flawed from Start
By Helle C. Dale and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2659)
If the discussions at the kick-off event are an indicator, the final QDDR product will repeat past policy mistakes.
September 23, 2009
Pittsburgh Should Be the Last G-20 Summit: Leaders Should Promote Free Economies Instead
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2322)
In the past 10 months, the leaders of the G-8 and G-20 nations have met three times at elaborate and expensive summits to address the world's financial woes. But far from providing remedies for ailing economies, the summits' standard prescriptions for ever-more government intervention and regulations are likely only to impede economic recovery. This paper explains why free markets and limited government are the best responses to economic recession--and argues that the best thing for economies around the world would be for the fourth "G-Process" summit in Pittsburgh to be the last.
August 06, 2009
The North American Leaders Summit: Promoting Economic Freedom and Security
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2581)
By promoting economic freedom and security, President Obama, President Calderón, and Prime Minister Harper can ensure that the North American Leaders Summit is a success.
August 04, 2009
Foreign Aid: Congress Should Shift USAID Funds to the Millennium Challenge Account
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2574)
When it comes to spending precious U.S. tax dollars on official development assistance to third world countries, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has a better approach than USAID.
July 10, 2009
The G-8 and Summitry: Enough Already!
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2538)
The G-8 process has outlived its usefulness. President Obama should insist that the meeting in Italy be the last G-8 event.
June 26, 2009
President Obama and Colombia's Uribe Meeting: A Pivotal Hemispheric Encounter
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2508)
When he meets President Uribe, President Obama should take the following steps.
June 09, 2009
Narco-Terrorism in Peru: The Return of Shining Path
By James M. Roberts and Edwar Enrique Escalante
(WebMemo #2473)
The Shining Path is revitalized and once again threatening the stability and security of not only Peru but Latin America and the U.S. as well.
June 09, 2009
Narco-Terrorismo en Perú: El Retorno de Sendero Luminoso
By James M. Roberts and Edwar Enrique Escalante
(WebMemo #2473)
En la década de 1960, un profesor izquierdista de filosofía iniciaría un grupo guerrillero maoísta en la Universidad de San Cristóbal de Huamanga en Ayacucho, Perú. Guzmán bautizo la organización en honor de una de las frases más celebres jamás dichas por un joven comunista y periodista peruano, José Carlos Mariategui, quien escribió: “el Marxismo-Leninismo abrirá el sendero luminoso a la revolución”. Pocos fueron los peruanos que entonces se dieron cuenta que el sendero se convertiría en un río de sangre. Secado en algún momento por Alberto Fujimori, el río desafortunadamente ha comenzado a correr nuevamente.
May 07, 2009
The Best Protection for both Colombian and American Workers: Stronger, Market-Based Democratic Institutions in Colombia
By James M. Roberts
(Testimony #9999)
Colombia is one of America's best friends in the Caribbean-Andean region. The Colombian government -- the oldest democracy in South America -- is solidly committed to its partnership with the United States and is following a similar path toward market-based democracy and strong rule of law that has made the United States the most prosperous nation in world history.
April 14, 2009
Keeping Score: Will the Summit of the Americas Make the U.S. More Prosperous?
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2395)
Confronted by serious economic problems domestically and unprecedented foreign challenges to the U.S.’s historically dominant role in Latin America, will President Obama will use the Summit of the Americas to increase domestic prosperity and security? Here’s how to keep score.
March 24, 2009
Elimination of U.S. Pilot Truck Program Triggers Mexican Tariffs
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2357)
The Obama Administration should take immediate steps to restore funding to the pilot truck program, and then expand it and make it permanent.
March 24, 2009
Secretary Clinton's Mexico Trip: Three Benchmarks for U.S.-Mexican Relations
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., James Roberts, and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2358)
This week, during her inaugural visit to Mexico, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces a tough but critical challenge: laying the early foundations for a solid, working relationship with America’s southern neighbor.
March 23, 2009
New Constitution Pushes Bolivian Economy into Socialism
By James M. Roberts and Gonzalo Schwarz
(WebMemo #2355)
The new Bolivian constitution—written by President Evo Morales and approved by voters in late January—is an assault upon the universal ideals of individual and economic freedom.
February 18, 2009
Obama's Visit to Canada: Forging Stronger Alliances and Economic Cooperation
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2299)
When Barack Obama takes the traditional first foreign trip as the new U.S. President to Ottawa on February 19, our northern neighbors will be watching closely—and somewhat nervously.
February 17, 2009
Expanding Cross-Border Trucking with Mexico Benefits American Consumers
By James Roberts
(WebMemo #2296)
Congress, President Obama, and his new transportation secretary, Ray LaHood, should reject calls by protectionists to end the cross-border trucking program and, instead, take immediate steps to expand it and make it permanent.
February 12, 2009
Growing Instability in Mexico Threatens U.S. Economy and Border Security
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2290)
Mexico is facing trouble on several fronts.
January 08, 2009
10 Points for President-Elect Obama's Latin America Strategy
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2198)
As a host of appointees and would-be ambassadors jockey for selection and Senate confirmation, the time is right to set down a list of 10 things President-elect Obama and the new Administration can undertake to demonstrate strong leadership for the Americas.
2008 Research
October 17, 2008
Finding Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas
By Daniella Markheim and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2103)
Beleaguered supporters of market-oriented democracies can take some solace from the announcement by the Bush Administration of “Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas,” an attempt to enlarge free trade in the Western Hemisphere and create open-market policies that will carry over into the next Administration.
October 03, 2008
Averting Disaster in Argentina: The Case for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2191)
The Kirchner government has pursued irresponsible economic policies since Argentina's 2001–2005 sovereign debt default and restructuring, as illustrated in Argentina's steadily declining scores in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom. Congress should hold hearings on the threat to both the U.S. economy and the world financial system if more sovereign debtors were to follow Argentina's example and repudiate their debts.
October 03, 2008
Executive Summary: Averting Disaster in Argentina: The Case for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2191)
Executive Summary: The Kirchner government has pursued irresponsible economic policies since Argentina's 2001–2005 sovereign debt default and restructuring, as illustrated in Argentina's steadily declining scores in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom. Congress should hold hearings on the threat to both the U.S. economy and the world financial system if more sovereign debtors were to follow Argentina's example and repudiate their debts.
August 26, 2008
Challenges on the U.S.–Mexico Border: A Panel Discussion
By Helen E. Krieble, James M. Roberts, Marcus Brubaker, and Mario Loyola
(Heritage Lecture #1096)
Challenges on the U.S.–Mexico border include economic, immigration, and security challenges for both countries. The Mexican government should take the painful but necessary steps to open entrenched monopolies to competition as a way to boost economic growth and create jobs. Immigration reform needs outside-the-box thinking based upon the principles of the free market. The U.S.–Mexico Mérida Initiative can be an important tool to combat transnational terrorists, who are increasing their operations in Latin America.
August 18, 2008
Fighting for Freedom in Rural Peru: "ALBA Houses" Threaten Democracy
By James M. Roberts and Edwar Enrique Escalante
(Backgrounder #2173)
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is spreading his toxic "21st Century Bolivarian Socialism" through "ALBA houses" in Peru that are aimed at subverting market-based democracy and destabilizing Peru’s government. The Chilean, Brazilian, and Colombian governments should affirm Peruvian democracy. The U.S. Congress must encourage economic progress in Colombia, which would directly benefit Peruvian democracy, by approving the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
August 18, 2008
Hugo Chávez's Andean Offensive
By Ray Walser Ph.D. and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2027)
Exploiting the U.S. leadership and media's preoccupation with the Caucasus conflict, as well as the Beijing Olympics, elections, and high gas prices, President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela went on the offensive with a power grab of his own. In response, the U.S. must pursue a stronger, bipartisan effort to forge a more active, pro-democracy consensus in the Western Hemisphere. Democracy’s friends in Latin America deserve greater support than they are presently receiving.
August 08, 2008
Rethinking the Summit of the Americas and Advancing Free Trade in Latin America
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2170)
Since the U.S. created the Summit of the Americas process in 1994 the summits have been burdened by international bureaucrats pushing for taxpayer-funded, statist development programs and hijacked by Hugo Chavez and other anti-American, anti-globalization activists. In its place, the Bush Administration should immediately announce a Western Hemisphere Trade Summit with the U.S.'s FTA partners, including Panama and Colombia.
July 09, 2008
The 2008 Index: How to Escape the "Curse of Oil"
By James M. Roberts and Daniel J. Leahy
(WebMemo #1983)
An examination of the rankings of oil-rich counties in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom reveals that, for the most part, citizens of oil-producing countries are stuck in poverty. But that does not mean oil-rich countries are doomed to economic mediocrity.
July 01, 2008
Colombia and Mexico: Vitally Important U.S. Allies and Trading Partners
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1978)
The positions put forth by John McCain and Barack Obama reflect the sharply different approaches each would take in shaping future U.S. policy toward Latin America.
May 27, 2008
Argentina Farmers Strike: Refusing to Foot the Bill for the Kirchners' Populist Politics
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1938)
Peronists Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the presidential couple who have ruled Argentina since 2003, have exploited record-high commodity prices to finance their leftist-populist policies. Keeping the peso artificially low, they have overheated the economy and stoked exports and inflation, heavily taxing the former and attempting to conceal the latter.
May 20, 2008
Bolivia: Santa Cruz Voters Stand Firm-Against Morales and for Democracy
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1929)
President Evo Morales is intent upon gathering unchallenged and unending power to impose “21st Century Bolivarian Socialism” in Bolivia. Although pro-democracy, free-market forces appear to have scored a significant victory in a May 4 referendum about control of the country’s mineral-rich and economically more successful eastern lowlands, Morales and his followers will surely not give up their quest to subjugate the industrious and independent-minded Department of Santa Cruz.
May 13, 2008
How Reforms in Mexico Could Make the U.S. More Secure
By James M. Roberts and Israel Ortega
(Backgrounder #2135)
Failures in Mexico's economic model have pushed millions of unemployed workers toward the U.S., creating a crisis on both sides of the border. President Felipe Calderón must reform Mexico's economy to create new private-sector jobs, and President Bush and Congress should support Mexican efforts to help solve the immigration crisis, open Mexico to more U.S. exports and investment, and secure our border.
May 13, 2008
Executive Summary: How Reforms in Mexico Could Make the U.S. More Secure
By James M. Roberts and Israel Ortega
(Executive Summary #2135)
Executive Summary: Failures in Mexico's economic model have pushed millions of unemployed workers toward the U.S., creating a crisis on both sides of the border. President Felipe Calderón must reform Mexico's economy to create new private-sector jobs, and President Bush and Congress should support Mexican efforts to help solve the immigration crisis, open Mexico to more U.S. exports and investment, and secure our border.
April 30, 2008
The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Strengthening a Good Friend in a Rough Neighborhood
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2129)
On April 10, the congressional leadership forced a vote that has indefinitely delayed consideration of the U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Defeat of this agreement would be a major psychological victory for forces that the U.S. has battled for decades. Congress should promptly approve the U.S.–Colombia FTA, which would increase economic prosperity in both the U.S. and Colombia.
April 30, 2008
Executive Summary: The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Strengthening a Good Friend in a Rough Neighborhood
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2129)
On April 10, the congressional leadership forced a vote that has indefinitely delayed consideration of the U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Defeat of this agreement would be a major psychological victory for forces that the U.S. has battled for decades. Congress should promptly approve the U.S.–Colombia FTA, which would increase economic prosperity in both the U.S. and Colombia.
April 15, 2008
Losing Latin America? A Protectionist Congress Is Destroying U.S. Credibility
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1890)
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation’s attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" In 1980, it was "Who lost Iran?" In 2008, voters may rightfully begin to ask who lost an entire region. In this case, it will be "Who lost Latin America?"
March 14, 2008
How the U.S. Navy Inadvertently Supports Hugo Chávez
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1855)
A U.S. designation of Venezuela as a terrorist-sponsoring state would allow the Navy to end its practice of buying gasoline from a company owned by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
March 06, 2008
Spain Must Opt for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts and Anthony B. Kim
(WebMemo #1838)
With elections approaching on March 9, Spain's slackening economy is in need of fundamental reforms.
February 27, 2008
Want More Economic Stimulus? Pass the Pending Free Trade Agreements!
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1830)
Congress should pass the pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
February 19, 2008
Cuba's Phony Transition: Fidel Resigns, Raul Reigns
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1820)
The Unites States should keep existing policies in place until Cuba makes real progress on political reforms and human rights issues.
February 19, 2008
Big Labor Can't Handle the Truth About Colombia
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1821)
Congress should put national security ahead of partisan politics and ratify the U.S.–Colombia TPA.
January 11, 2008
Nicaragua's President Ortega: The Balancing Act After One Year
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2097)
Daniel Ortega has appeared to support capitalism, DR–CAFTA, and relations with the U.S. while seeking support and cash from world troublemakers like Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, and Libya's Muammar Qadhafi. The U.S. should monitor Ortega, work to expand Nicaraguan democratic and free-market institutions, and be prepared to act promptly if Ortega moves closer to Venezuela and Iran.
January 11, 2008
Executive Summary: Nicaragua's President Ortega: The Balancing Act After One Year
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2097)
Executive Summary: Daniel Ortega has appeared to support capitalism, DR–CAFTA, and relations with the U.S. while seeking support and cash from world troublemakers like Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, and Libya's Muammar Qadhafi. The U.S. should monitor Ortega, work to expand Nicaraguan democratic and free-market institutions, and be prepared to act promptly if Ortega moves closer to Venezuela and Iran.
January 07, 2008
Latin America: A Wish List for 2008
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1767)
The following 10 storylines would benefit the United States’ economy, energy supply, and border security.
2007 Research
December 04, 2007
The U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement: A Winning Proposition for Both Countries
By Daniella Markheim and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1718)
Free trade agreements between the United States and Latin American countries will pave the way for a future of friendship, peace, and prosperity throughout the hemisphere.
December 04, 2007
Venezuela: Democracy Dodges a Bullet
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1719)
Though he has been temporarily stymied from achieving his goal of total power in Venezuela, Chávez certainly will not give up his dream.
November 28, 2007
Nicaragua: Is Daniel Ortega a "Vegetarian" or a Carnivore?
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1712)
The United States should use diplomatic and economic channels to keep Nicaragua on the path to real democracy and free markets.
November 16, 2007
The U.S. and Mexico: Taking the "Mérida Initiative" Against Narco-Terror
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1705)
The United States and Mexico have an opportunity to push forward with their unprecedented and outstanding level of cooperation in the battle against drug traffickers along the U.S.–Mexican border.
October 25, 2007
Argentina: Implications for the U.S. If First Lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner Becomes President
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1678)
The expected outcome is unlikely to improve U.S.–Argentine relations. U.S. policymakers should focus on building stronger relations with other Latin American countries.
October 18, 2007
Cuba at the Crossroads: The Threat to U.S. National Security
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1669)
The next event in the Heritage Foundation series looks at Cuba's activities in Latin America, its intelligence operations, and its relations with U.S. enemies.
October 04, 2007
Costa Rica and CAFTA: Chavista Rhetoric Threatens Trade Deal's Benefits
By James M. Roberts and Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #1656)
Protectionists are waging a campaign of misinformation to dissuade Costa Ricans from voting to join CAFTA.
September 28, 2007
Ecuador: Is Correa Following Chávez Down the Road to Serfdom?
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1651)
To reverse the region's slide toward socialism, the United States must increase its support for democratic, market-based institutions in Latin America.
September 13, 2007
Expanded Trade Ties with Peru Will Benefit America
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1613)
Congress should act to approve a trade agreement that would strengthen U.S. energy security, reinforce democracy and markets in South America, and further U.S. national security interests.
August 20, 2007
If the Real Simón Bolívar Met Hugo Chávez, He'd See Red
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2062)
Hugo Chávez aims to dominate the Caribbean Basin and Andean region and fulfill the dream of his mentor, Fidel Castro. Venezuela has become a hub of narcotics trafficking, and its rapid military buildup will likely lead to a renewed regional arms race. The U.S. should counter Chávez by increasing its support for market-based democratic institutions and encouraging true reform.
August 20, 2007
Executive Summary: If the Real Simón Bolívar Met Hugo Chávez, He’d See Red
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2062)
Hugo Chávez aims to dominate the Caribbean Basin and Andean region and fulfill the dream of his mentor, Fidel Castro. Venezuela has become a hub of narcotics trafficking, and its rapid military buildup will likely lead to a renewed regional arms race. The U.S. should counter Chávez by increasing its support for market-based democratic institutions and encouraging true reform.
August 17, 2007
The U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement: Don’t Let Progress Fall Victim to D.C. Politics
By James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1588)
To bolster prosperity and security for both the United States and Latin America, Congress must promote free trade with Colombia and assistance for its anti-narcotics efforts.
November 20, 2009
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