Greater America - by L Ronald Scheman (Hardcover)

About the Book

The author argues there is a lot for us to gain by bolstering our relations with countries we border.

Book Synopsis

Can democracy develop in Latin America without United States assistance? Why should the United States care? Why is Latin America relevant to U.S. economic growth in global competition? In Greater America: A New Partnership for the Americas in the 21st Century L. Ronald Scheman argues that our future lies not in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East but right here in our own backyard--the Western Hemisphere.
He shows how the political and cultural legacy of colonization, immigration, assimilation and pluralism binds North, Central and South America, and how the trends in market growth and resources make the Americas a rich prize in global trade. Despite the tendency of many northerners to underestimate our ties, we are closer to our southern cousins than to any other societies. That relationship will be increasingly stronger given the growing and irrepressible influence of Latino and Caribbean populations in the U.S. For Latin America, the linkage to the U.S. is essential for attracting investment and creating the jobs necessary to overcome its oppressive heritage of poverty and to provide opportunity for a young population that will increasingly expect a better standard of living. Most important, Greater America demonstrates how closer ties with Latin America will help build a stronger U.S. economy while reducing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He argues that only a NATO-like coalition in the Americas will defeat the drug traffickers, and that a major program to build infrastructure is essential to make trade agreements work.
This book celebrates the contribution of the Americas as one of the more important factors in the spread of human freedom in the last half millennium. It makes the case for the unlimited potential of the Americas and shows how it can be unleashed through greater political and economic integration.

Review Quotes

"Ronald Scheman outlines in this book a blueprint for the Americaslaying out a thoughtful history of U.S. relations and common interests, and analyzing how the Americas can move forward devoted to a democracy underpinned by economic growth. Greater America is an important book for anyone who cares about U.S. national and economic security as well as the future of the Americas."--Thomas F. "Mack" McLarty, III, former White House Chief of Staff and Special Envoy for the Americas

"Scheman defines what he believes should be the new partnership for the Americas in the 21st century."-- "U.S. Newswire"

"The changes that have swept Latin America and the Caribbean in the past two decades are unprecedented in the region's history. Ronald Scheman not only witnessed those events; he was part of them. In this book, he uses his vast experience and knowledge of the Americas to present a solid road map toward hemispheric integration that is no longer an option but an imperative."--Enrique V. Iglesias, President, Inter-American Development Bank

"This book is breathtaking in scope and full of insights about the region and U.S. relations with it. If you read one book about the region, this is a must."--Ambassador Myles Frechette, President, Council of the Americas

"With vast knowledge of the subject matter, sound reasoning, and strong conviction, Ronald Scheman unfolds in this book his vision for our continent. This vision could become a major cornerstone to enhance the mutual understanding among our nations."--Miguel Angel Rodriguez, former President of Costa Rica