PUBLICATIONS BY Stephen Johnson
Research
Commentary
Media Appearances
2006 Research
December 12, 2006
What a Chávez Win Means in Venezuela and for U.S. Policy
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1284)
Strong diplomacy and economic policy are needed to keep other countries in Latin America from sliding toward economic decline, strongman rule, and conflict
November 29, 2006
What Correa's Win Means in Ecuador
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1267)
Rafael Correa’s victory in Ecuador’s presidential runoff could strain the U.S.’s relationship with Ecuador.
November 08, 2006
A Border Security Strategy for Bush and Calderón: Improve Cooperation Between the U.S. and Mexico
By Stephen Johnson and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1252)
An agenda to substantially reduce the illegal border crossing that fuels criminal activity on both sides.
November 07, 2006
Ortega's Comeback: Charisma with an Iron Grip?
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1248)
If the U.S. acts carefully, it can press Ortega to keep basic democratic promises, contain foreign adventures, and promote the rule of law and liberal market reforms.
October 23, 2006
Promote Andean Free Trade But Limit Preferences
By Ana Isabel Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #1014)
Congress should act quickly on bilateral free trade agreements signed between the United States and allies Peru and Colombia. Such agreements benefit the economies of all partners and enhance a growing free trade bloc. Extending trade preferences for a short time to Bolivia and Ecuador could sustain market openings while leaders decide on permanent reciprocal agreements.
October 19, 2006
Correa vs. Noboa: Ecuador's Choice Between 'Marx' and Markets
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1238)
Ecuadoran presidential candidates Rafael Correa and Alvaro Noboa offer a choice between an admirer of Hugo Chavez and a proponent of free trade.
October 10, 2006
Bush's Global Cultural Initiative: A Step Toward Revitalizing U.S. Public Diplomacy
By Stephen Johnson and Helle Dale
(WebMemo #1234)
The Global Cultural Initiative breathes new life into America’s public diplomacy efforts and will promote close-up views of the United States.
September 06, 2006
Countering Hugo Chávez’s Anti-U.S. Arms Alliance
By Stephen Johnson, Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., and William L. T. Schirano
(Executive Memorandum #1010)
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s military buildup and aggressive policies could endanger U.S. allies in Latin America and a major source of U.S. oil imports. U.S. policymakers should strengthen regional alliances to prevent aggression, sanction Chávez in international forums, and press suppliers like Russia to withhold sales of offensive weapons systems
August 23, 2006
Cuba Loses a Hero, But Labor Proposals Remain
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1200)
Cuban human rights activist Gustavo Arcos Bergnes was a courageous figure and leaves a vital legacy.
August 04, 2006
Public Diplomacy for Cuba at Fidel Castro's Last Gasp
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1188)
A strategy for the old man's end.
July 24, 2006
Six Strategic Reasons to Support a U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement
By Ana Isabel Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1172)
With U.S. influence in Latin America on the wane and China and Venezuela ascendant, a trade agreement makes sense.
July 12, 2006
Congress Should Advance U.S.-Peruvian Free Trade Ties
By Ana I. Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1156)
On April 12, the United States and Peru concluded negotiations for the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, a major advance in economic and security relations between the U.S. and Latin America's fifth most populous country. Peru's legislature has already approved the deal, and it now awaits action in the U.S. Congress. Economically, this free trade agreement (FTA) with Peru will benefit producers in both countries with greater market access and consumers with less expensive products.
July 11, 2006
Getting Beyond Mexico's Contentious Election
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1150)
Mexican voters got more than they bargained for in national elections held Sunday, July 2, the second democratic presidential vote since the 2000 contest ended seven decades of single-party rule.
July 07, 2006
Venezuela's New Chokehold on Civil Society
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #1005)
Concealed in language that evokes respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, peace, and democracy, Venezuela's National Assembly has drafted a draconian bill that would block foreign donations to local non-governmental organizations(NGOs) and put such groups under state control. For now, Venezuela's new International Cooperation Law is a framework, but when filled in by President Hugo Chávez, it will muzzle the few voices that still provide a check on his creeping dictatorship.
June 13, 2006
Consolidate U.S.–Uruguay Trade Ties Now
By Stephen Johnson and Ana Isabel Eiras
(Executive Memorandum #1003)
The recently negotiated bilateral investment treaty with Uruguay would strengthen investment and commerce between the United States and this friendly South American nation of 3.4 million people and also could help to advance economic freedom in other parts of the continent at a time when some countries (e.g., Venezuela and Bolivia) have adopted closed statist economies.
June 07, 2006
State Department Ponders Expediency over Effectiveness on Exchanges
By Stephen Johnson and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1115)
After the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and its own inspector general faulted the U.S. Department of State for failing to oversee summer work and training exchanges for foreigners, the State Department plans to cut back a program it can't seem to manage. At issue is the Exchange Visitor Program, authorized by the 1961 Fulbright-Hays Act (PL 87-256) and now administered by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It brings approximately 275,000 students, scholars, trainees, and interns to the United States annually.
May 11, 2006
Common Sense Over Cuban Drilling
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1072)
Lawmakers debate drilling in Cuban waters.
May 01, 2006
Is Hugo Chávez a threat?
By Stephen Johnson
(Heritage Lecture #938)
Biographers tell us that Hugo Chávez trained for a radical career ever since childhood, though no one guessed he would be president.
April 05, 2006
Populism Clouds Peru's Presidential Race
By Edwar Escalante and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1028)
The frontrunning candidate promises economic regression.
March 31, 2006
Mexico's Economic Progress Can Ease Migration Woes
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1022)
Increasing economic activities across the border is a key part of fixing immigration.
March 20, 2006
Voice of America's Death by a Thousand Cuts
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #1019)
America needs a more balanced long-term strategy for its foreign broadcasting.
March 14, 2006
bg1920es: U.S.–Latin America Ties Need Commitment and Strategy
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1920)
bg1920es: U.S.–Latin America Ties Need Commitment and Strategy
March 13, 2006
U.S.-Latin America Ties Need Commitment and Strategy
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1920)
Washington needs to reengage Latin America to offset the influence of Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. Specifically, the United States should defend principles of free choice in Venezuela, sustain progress against narcoterrorism in Colombia, support institution-building in Haiti, develop a post-Castro engagement plan for Cuba, and promote reforms to move the region's energy sector away from state ownership and politicization.
February 10, 2006
UNESCO's Chavez Outrage
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #995)
A prize meant to reward liberty goes to a despot. What gives?
January 26, 2006
Bolivian Election Reveals Need for Broader Engagement
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #988)
During the 1990s, Bolivia was the poster child for reform in Latin America, but overlooked social problems have now provided an opportunity for radical activists to put one of their own in power. Evo Morales, elected president on December 18, 2005, could reverse 20 years of democratization and economic progress. Not only has Morales promised a return to populist authoritarianism, but he also identifies with an axis of hard-left leaders opposed to the United States and its policies.
January 25, 2006
Despite Conservative Win, Don't Take Canada for Granted
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #967)
Is progress in the cards for U.S.-Canada relations? Only if Washington makes an effort.
2005 Research
December 19, 2005
Immigration Plans Need a Foreign Policy Component
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #948)
The conditions that push people out of Latin America are not getting better. Addressing them must be a part of any immigration strategy.
December 16, 2005
Another Flawed Election in Venezuela
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #944)
The appearance of being a police state, with only slim support at the polls, could confound Chávez's efforts to spread his authoritarian populism.
December 15, 2005
Time for Coordinated Communications in Iraq
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #943)
Is it time for an end to "information warfare" in Iraq?
November 23, 2005
Venezuela's Oil Shenanigans Wash Up on American Shores
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #923)
U.S. lawmakers should focus on letting free markets develop alternate energy sources and sidestep mischief from hostile, tricky regimes.
November 07, 2005
Help Nicaraguan Democrats Block "Creeping Coup"
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1894)
Nicaragua's 15-year experiment with electoral democracy is threatened by a deal between leaders of two prominent parties to control all three branches of government. The United States and the international community should oppose a takeover by these corrupt former leaders and instead help ordinary Nicaraguans to strengthen their control over their own government.
November 02, 2005
The Keys to a Successful Americas Summit
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #905)
Delegates should follow a spare agenda, attend to root causes of problems to be solved, and deny spoilers attention they crave.
October 24, 2005
Balancing China's Growing Influence in Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1888)
The United States can best look after its hemispheric interests and moderate China's presence in Latin America by consolidating trade relations with Latin America, removing protectionist U.S. trade barriers, emphasizing comprehensive relationships, minimizing unproductive restrictions on assistance to U.S. neighbors, and pressing harder for democratic and economic reforms.
October 19, 2005
Helping Colombia Sustain Progress Toward Peace
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1887)
Despite the need to help stabilize the Middle East and recover from recent natural disasters, the United States should not reduce support for Plan Colombia at this time. Colombia is an important South American trade partner and democratic linchpin, and continuing this partnership will sustain stable markets for U.S. businesses and reduce the regional instability caused by lawlessness and narcoterrorism.
October 19, 2005
Executive Summary: Helping Colombia Sustain Progress Toward Peace
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1887)
Despite the need to help stabilize the Middle East and recover from recent natural disasters, the United States should not reduce support for Plan Colombia at this time. Colombia is an important South American trade partner and democratic linchpin, and continuing this partnership will sustain stable markets for U.S. businesses and reduce the regional instability caused by lawlessness and narcoterrorism.
September 30, 2005
Public Diplomacy Needs a Commander, Not a Spokesman
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #869)
There is little doubt that Karen Hughes's arrival as the new Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Department of State is a welcome event.
September 21, 2005
Latin America's Security Puzzle
By Stephen Johnson
(Testimony #9999)
Except when Fidel Castro invited the Soviet Union to place nuclear-tipped missiles aimed at American shores in Cuba, no country in Latin America has posed a direct military threat to the United States.
September 07, 2005
Thanks, But No Thanks for Aid from Self-Serving Autocrats
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #834)
At last count more than 70 countries around the world have offered assistance to the United States to aid recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
August 23, 2005
U.S. Diplomacy Toward Latin America: A Legacy of Uneven Engagement
By Stephen Johnson
(Heritage Lecture #895)
U.S. peace and security depend on a stable neighborhood and more prosperous neighbors, yet America's diplomatic engagement in Latin America has swung between comprehensive and minimalist approaches.
August 10, 2005
South America's Mad-TV: Hugo Chávez Makes Broadcasting a Battleground
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #817)
Halloween scares have come early to South America, and one knocking on the front door right now is Telesur, a new satellite TV network funded largely by Venezuela's authoritarian president Hugo Chávez.
August 05, 2005
Strengthening U.S. Public Diplomacy Requires Organization, Coordination, and Strategy
By Stephen Johnson, Helle C. Dale, and Patrick Cronin, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1875)
The Bush Administration and Congress have made progress in some areas of public diplomacy, but the United States will lag in foreign outreach unless bureaucratic structures are streamlined, better coordinated, and focused on tasks at hand. A new Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy may help, but that is clearly not enough.
August 05, 2005
Executive Summary: Strengthening U.S. Public Diplomacy Requires Organization, Coordination, and Strategy
By Stephen Johnson, Helle C. Dale, and Patrick Cronin, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #1875)
The Bush Administration and Congress have made progress in some areas of public diplomacy, but the United States will lag in foreign outreach unless bureaucratic structures are streamlined, better coordinated, and focused on tasks at hand. A new Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy may help, but that is clearly not enough.
June 27, 2005
Bolivia Needs Consensus and Property Rights, Not Elections
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #775)
Property rights and rule of law will get Bolivia back on track.
April 26, 2005
Ecuador's No. 1 Problem
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #732)
Ecuador's cycle of corruption and reform continues on.
April 26, 2005
El problema número 1 de Ecuador
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #732)
Durante la pasada década, los políticos ecuatorianos se han destacado por su falta de respeto a las reglas.
April 21, 2005
North American Youth Gangs: Patterns and Remedies
By Stephen Johnson
(Testimony #9999)
Throughout history, youth gangs have flourished wherever there have been population shifts and unstable neighborhoods.
April 07, 2005
Daunting Challenges Await New OAS Chief
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #711)
The next OAS chief will have his hands full.
March 22, 2005
How to Advance North American Cooperation at the Texas Summit
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #698)
Progress is possible when President George W. Bush, President Vicente Fox of Mexico, and Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada meet in Texas on March 23.
March 21, 2005
North American Transnational Youth Gangs: Breaking the Chain of Violence
By Stephen Johnson and David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1834)
Policymakers can help to stabilize gang neighborhoods through migration reforms, by denying time and space to delinquent activities, and by increasing coordination between law enforcement agencies. The United States should promote the rule of law and free-market reforms in Mexico and Central America to boost employment while fostering cooperative security links to track gang member migration.
March 21, 2005
Executive Summary: North American Transnational Youth Gangs: Breaking the Chain of Violence
By Stephen Johnson and David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #1834)
Policymakers can help to stabilize gang neighborhoods through migration reforms, by denying time and space to delinquent activities, and by increasing coordination between law enforcement agencies. The United States should promote the rule of law and free-market reforms in Mexico and Central America to boost employment while fostering cooperative security links to track gang member migration.
March 15, 2005
New Leadership, New Hope for Public Diplomacy
By Stephen Johnson and Helle Dale
(WebMemo #688)
Karen Hughes has the opportunity to remake U.S. public diplomacy.
February 08, 2005
Congress Should Support Free Trade with Central America and the Dominican Republic
By Brett D. Schaefer and Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1822)
The Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement would expand markets for Central America, the Dominican Republic, and the United States; help to integrate these countries into the global economy; encourage needed economic reforms; bolster positive political trends; and signal the entire hemisphere that Washington is serious about market integration and helping its neighbors to develop.
January 21, 2005
Venezuela Reality Check
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #643)
The futility of patronizing despots.
2004 Research
December 14, 2004
The Road to Hemispheric Security
By Stephen Johnson
(Heritage Lecture #859)
By and large, countries of this hemisphere have made slow and steady progress against terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational crime, and even gangs. While taking advantage of the age of globalization, we need to invest some effort in protecting ourselves from the troubles that come with it.
December 14, 2004
El Camino hacia la Seguridad Hemisférica
By Stephen Johnson
(Heritage Lecture #859)
Evitar el peligro es un instinto de supervivencia que permite a personas como ustedes y yo marchar adelante en nuestras vidas. La necesidad de seguridad nos insta a cambiar de hábitos y de ambiente cuando sea necesario.
November 24, 2004
Helping Nicaragua to Pull Its Own Weight
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #952)
Corruption is undermining Nicaragua's democracy and draining its economy. Corrupt opponents are threatening to reverse President Bolaños' campaign against public theft. The United States and its allies should help Nicaragua to end this parasitic plague and renew progress toward self-sufficiency.
October 08, 2004
Improving Trade with Uruguay: Cementing Economic Reforms and Advancing a Hemispheric Pact
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #944)
Uruguay is a stable, democratic ally that has steadily liberalized its economy. October Uruguayan presidential elections could result in a populist government. The United States should help to protect market reforms by ratifying the U.S.-Uruguay Bilateral Investment Treaty.
September 14, 2004
The U.S. Should Support Free Trade with Central America and the Dominican Republic
By Brett D. Schaefer and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #941)
DR-CAFTA represents a watershed moment for America's trade agenda. By approving the agreement, Congress would bolster political stability and encourage economic liberalization among close neighbors, supplying jobs to workers who would otherwise illegally migrate to the United States.
September 03, 2004
A Partnership for Prosperity in Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1794)
Latin America faces a choice between the closed economies and populist governments of the past and the prosperity and freedom that come from open markets and democracy. Bolstering the status quo with untargeted aid would be far less effective than applying incentives to spur Latin America's democratic transformation, liberate the region's economies, and strengthen the rule of law.
August 12, 2004
Minimizing Mischief in Venezuela, Stabilizing the U.S. Oil Supply
By Stephen Johnson and Ariel Cohen, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1787)
On August 15, Venezuelans will decide whether to retain or recall President Hugo Chávez, who has impoverished his citizens and turned the state oil industry into a political tool. The United States should support international scrutiny of Venezuela's referendum, diversify its sources of petroleum, and engage Latin America to help strengthen allies' nascent democratic institutions and market economies.
July 20, 2004
Two-Way Accountability in Haiti
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #541)
Only active donor participation and strong accountability mechanisms will prevent another Aristide—or worse.
June 24, 2004
Venezuela's Battered Democracy Needs Outside Help
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #525)
The U.S. and others should help defend what remains of Venezuela's democracy and discourage the growing internal conflict that Chávez has inspired.
June 02, 2004
Iraqi Prisoner Crisis: Correcting America's Communications Failure
By Stephen Johnson & Helle Dale
(Executive Memorandum #935)
To address the Abu Ghraib incidents, the Administration should put military public affairs officers fully in the command loop in Iraq and show the world how the rule of law applies to U.S. armed forces. Additionally, it should develop a military–civilian public diplomacy strategy and strengthen public diplomacy leadership at the U.S. Department of State.
May 04, 2004
How to Support Cuba's Democracy-in-Waiting
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #929)
Washington should assist Cuban citizens own attempts at a peaceful transition from dictatorship to a market-oriented democracy. To do this, it should call greater attention to the cause of Cubans civil liberties; increase purposeful contact with Cuban civil society; develop principles for normalizing relations with a free Cuba; help to isolate the current dictatorship; and improve intelligence analysis.
April 13, 2004
Securing a Fresh Start In Haiti
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #920)
The U.S. has an economic and strategic interest in helping Haiti to become self-sufficient and self-governing. This can be done by supporting institutions that will uphold the rule of law, promoting a modern justice system, reconstructing the private sector, coordinating donor initiatives, and developing the infrastructure to create an educated and democratic Haitian society.
March 10, 2004
Where to in Haiti: New Principles of Engagement
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #442)
If it is in America's interest to become involved this time, the most durable solution will lie between those extremes and will support the development of public institutions and an educated citizenry to maintain them.
February 24, 2004
Support Institutions, Not Despots in Haiti
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #431)
As long as the United States and the international community keep indulging Haiti's political immaturity by supporting popular figures and then intervening when they go bad, the country will never be self-governing.
February 20, 2004
Strengthening America's Southern Flank Requires a Better Effort
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1727)
In the global war on terrorism, to defend the U.S. homeland and help its allies in the Western Hemisphere, the United States needs a new strategy that treats nascent democracies differently from the dictatorships they once were, meets the new threats from within the region, and moves beyond current tutorial and assistance relations toward sustained collaboration.
2003 Research
December 29, 2003
"Tough Love" Needed for Americas Summit and Beyond
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #387)
President George W. Bush is paying more attention to Latin America these days and, as proof, he will participate in a Special Summit of the Americas in Monterrey, Mexico, on January 12-13, 2004. The purpose of this summit is to welcome the dozen recently elected heads of state in the hemisphere and discuss ways out of the economic slump affecting the region.
December 18, 2003
The United States and Mexico: Partners in Reform
By Stephen Johnson and Sara J. Fitzgerald
(Backgrounder #1715)
Mexico's population is still growing faster than its economy can supply jobs, and its recent democratic, free-market evolution has slowed, stalling the implementation of President Vicente Fox's reform agenda. As a result, each year, more than a million Mexicans illegally cross into the United States from Mexico looking for work.
October 29, 2003
Heeding Bolivia's Wake-Up Call
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #904)
The riots that forced Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada to resign on October 17 show how discontent can be channeled to empower leaders hostile to U.S. interests and the region's fledgling democracies and markets. The United States should encourage international support for Bolivia's precarious democracy, enhance lagging U.S. public diplomacy efforts, and retarget counternarcotics assistance to strengthen civil society and the rule of law.
October 15, 2003
Gloves Off Against Castro
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #347)
On October 10, in spite of calls from a faction of policymakers to lift sanctions against Cuba, President George W. Bush strengthened the U.S. position towards Castro's regime. While this reaffirmation of a strong stand against Castro's dictatorship was made in the name of the captive Cuban populace, it also serves to protect American security. A hard line on sanctions can serve to prevent Castro from regenerating his efforts to support insurgents and terrorists abroad.
October 04, 2003
Executive Summary: Why the U.S. Must Re-Engage in Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1694es)
October 03, 2003
Why the U.S. Must Re-Engage In Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1694)
Despite the widespread adoption of democratic elections and civilian rule, and despite the development of nascent market economies, Latin America is less stable and prosperous than it was 10 years ago. If the Bush Administration wants to help alleviate some the problems in the Western Hemisphere before they demand attention as the Middle East does, it must begin to support deeper reforms, update its security policy, and better articulate its interests in the region.
September 04, 2003
Is Neoliberalism Dead In Latin America?
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #332)
Liberalism is at risk of not succeeding as long as democracy and free markets are only partially adopted, and while authoritarian regimes seem to be reappearing with alarming frequency.
July 22, 2003
Cuban Jamming Demands A Firm Response
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #319)
Congress should ensure that funds are available to access alternate means of broadcast transmission; and act decisively to counter Cuba's efforts to use the UN to legitimize its interference and censorship of radio and television communications.
June 25, 2003
More Loans Without Reform Will Only Prolong Argentina's Economic Woes
By Ana I. Eiras and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #888)
More loans without reforms will not help Argentina's people; financial crises have increased globally as the IMF and the World Bank have poured resources into indebted countries. Only domestically driven reforms will improve the Argentine economy. The Bush Administration should therefore support further loans to Argentina only when its leaders begin to implement a credible plan for long-term reform.
May 23, 2003
Restructure Aid to Colombia
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #881)
Colombia is turning the corner in its war against drug trafficking and terrorism; yet U.S. assistance to this nation of 48 million people still lacks the organization necessary to supply Colombian security forces with needed resources, and other assistance fails to match present needs.
May 14, 2003
Reclaiming America's Voice Overseas
By Stephen Johnson and Helle Dale
(WebMemo #273)
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and opposition to U.S. actions in Iraq have shown that America's image abroad is in serious trouble, particularly in the Middle East where U.S. policies, culture, and values are poorly understood. For more than two years, Congress and the White House have struggled to reclaim America's international public relations capability with minimal success.
April 23, 2003
How to Reinvigorate U.S. Public Diplomacy
By Stephen Johnson and Helle Dale
(Backgrounder #1645)
To reverse America's declining image abroad, both public diplomacy and related international broadcasting agencies need a clear chain of command as well as adequate personnel and financial resources.
March 28, 2003
Not So Quiet On the Western Front
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #243)
Cuba is jailing dissidents and oil-rich Venezuela is telling South American neighbors that they will be the next target of American aggression.
March 25, 2003
How the OAS Can Export Democracy
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #868)
Although only a complete overhaul will put the U.N. on a more purposeful footing, defining new membership requirements should number among the considerations.
March 20, 2003
What the UN Could Learn from the OAS
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #230)
Perhaps UN conventions, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian aid could then be put in context-of building durable peace by encouraging government by the governed and by helping non-members to become members.
February 12, 2003
Stability and Democracy, Not Oil
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1623)
. To avoid dependence on unstable regimes for critical resources, the U.S. should facilitate exploration elsewhere in the Caribbean Basin and in Alaska and welcome market-developed technologies that are less dependent on finite resources.
February 10, 2003
New Priorities for U.S.-Ecuadoran Relations
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #205)
President Bush should encourage his counterpart to help defeat the twin scourges of drug trafficking and terrorism in the Andean region, and offer support for strengthening Ecuador's democracy and market economy—a work still in progress.
January 16, 2003
How a U.S. Mexico
By David C. John and Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #849)
The U.S.–Mexico Social Security totalization agreement that is now being negotiated provides an opportunity to boost sagging relations and benefit both countries without enacting complicated and premature immigration reforms.
2002 Research
December 20, 2002
Bush's Twin Headaches In Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #181)
Haiti and Venezuela pose difficult problems for the United States' foreign policy. Aid is the answer to Haiti's problems, but Venezuela is a more complicated situation that requires careful diplomacy and coordination with regional allies.
November 20, 2002
A New Agenda for U.S.-Brazilian Relations
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #841)
Brazil's president-elect, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, has professed admiration for Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. Bush's agenda for his upcoming meeting with Lula should focus on Brazil's potential support for regional non-democratic regimes, its needed participation in counterterrorism and counterdrug operations, and mutual efforts to lower barriers to trade.
October 31, 2002
Haiti: No Aid Without Accountability
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1610)
Unsupervised aid to the Haitian regime will only worsen their problems by putting money into the wrong hands. Assistance through NGOs buys time but is impermanent. Only a commitment by the international community to provide direction will establish the security umbrella necessary to democracy to flourish.
October 31, 2002
bg1610es: Haiti: No Aid Without Accountability
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1610)
bg1610es: Haiti: No Aid Without Accountability
August 30, 2002
Time For Consensus On Cuba
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1579)
U.S. policy toward Cuba should promote a stable democratic neighborhood, long-term development of market-based economic prosperity, and a lasting friendship with the Cuban people--not with the old bully who, for the moment, holds them prisoner.
August 30, 2002
BG1579es: Time For Consensus On Cuba
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1579)
BG1579es: Time For Consensus On Cuba
June 12, 2002
Venezuela - A New Junket for Jimmy
By Stephen Johnson
(WebMemo #110)
Carter, who often found good things to say about some of the world's worst dictators, may not be the best person to sniff out the truth. His own willingness to excuse leftist governments that try to guarantee citizens economic privileges in place of political rights may also blind him to the wreckage that populism has left in this oil-rich but poverty-stricken nation.
May 06, 2002
BG1545ES: Rebuilding Democracy in Venezuela
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1545)
BG1545ES: Rebuilding Democracy in Venezuela
May 06, 2002
Rebuilding Democracy in Venezuela
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1545)
Venezuela's future should be in the hands of the Venezuelan people. No one can face this challenge for them, but democracies like the United States can and should stand with them and give strength to those laboring to build a pluralistic society and an open economy.
March 19, 2002
An Agenda for the President's Visit to Latin America
By Stephen Johnson and Ana I. Eiras
(Backgrounder #1529)
By his visit to Mexico and first official trip to Central and South America, President Bush can show that Latin America is once again a U.S. priority. He will have the opportunity to cement cooperation on common goals: bolstering hemispheric security, free trade, and democracy.
February 25, 2002
Time to Change U.S. Strategy for the Andean Region
By Ana I. Eiras, John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., Stephen Johnson, and Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1521)
The Bush Administration should be concerned about the potential chaos in the Andean region and take immediate action to adjust its policies to address the many problems facing the region before they deteriorate further.
February 25, 2002
BG1521ES: Time to Change U.S. Strategy for the Andean Region
By Ana I. Eiras, John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., Stephen Johnson, and Brett D. Schaefer
(Executive Summary #1521)
BG1521ES: Time to Change U.S. Strategy for the Andean Region
February 25, 2002
BG1521ESsp: Es hora de cambiar la estrategia para la región andina
By Ana I. Eiras, John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., Stephen Johnson, and Brett D. Schaefer
(Executive Summary #1521)
BG1521ESsp: Es hora de cambiar la estrategia de EE.UU. para la región andina
February 25, 2002
Es hora de cambiar la estrategia para la región andina
By Ana I. Eiras, John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., Stephen Johnson, and Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #1521)
Es hora de cambiar la estrategia de EE.UU. para la región andina
2001 Research
December 12, 2001
After the Elections: Helping Nicaragua to Succeed
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #796)
Nicaragua conducted a national election on November 4 that was both fair and exemplary, electing Liberal Party candidate Enrique Bolaños Geyer by a margin of more than 13 percent. To help him meet the challenges he faces and protect past democratic gains, Mr. Bolaños needs strong support from the Bush Administration.
October 09, 2001
BG1489es: U.S. Coalition Against Terrorism
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1489)
BG1489es: U.S. Coalition Against Terrorism Should Include Latin America
October 09, 2001
U.S. Coalition Against Terrorism Should Include Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1489)
The September 11 terrorist strikes on New York and Washington have focused America's attention on the Middle East, but a potential source of danger lurks closer to home. Ten of 30 terrorist organizations operating worldwide, including one linked to Osama bin Laden, are located or operate in Latin America. So far, most of their violence has been directed within the region, but it could easily migrate to the United States.
September 10, 2001
Nicaraguan Elections Demand More Effective U.S. Support
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1472)
Regardless of who wins the November 4 presidential election or what party dominates the contest for the National Assembly, a clean election will be critical to Nicaragua's stability.
August 13, 2001
Getting U.S.-Peru Relations Back on the Right Track
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1464)
As Peru strives to rebuild its political, civil, and economic institutions in a troubled international environment, U.S. diplomacy requires a more comprehensive approach.
July 06, 2001
How to Help the People of Cuba, Not the Regime
By Daniel Fisk and Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1456)
President George Bush has signaled an interest in "actively support[ing] those working to bring about democratic change in Cuba." Both the President and Congress are right to focus on Cuba's internal dynamics and the role the United States can play in promoting its evolution to a
participatory system of government.
April 26, 2001
Helping Colombia Fix Its Plan
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1435)
The White House must abandon the Clinton Administration's scattershot approach in dealing with Colombia's contributions to drug trafficking and international crime. However unfocused, Plan Colombia is still viable.
April 26, 2001
BG1435es: Helping Colombia Fix Its Plan
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1435es)
BG1435es: Helping Colombia Fix Its Plan to Curb Drug Trafficking, Violence, and Insurgency
February 15, 2001
A New U.S. Policy for Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1409)
George W. Bush has an excellent opportunity to revitalize relations with America's neighbors to the south.
February 15, 2001
A New U.S. Policy for Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Backgrounder #1409)
George W. Bush has an excellent opportunity to revitalize relations with America's neighbors to the south.
February 15, 2001
BG1409es: A New U.S. Policy for Latin America
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Summary #1409es)
BG1409es: A New U.S. Policy for Latin America: Reopening the Window of Opportunity
2000 Research
July 20, 2000
U.S.-Mexico Relations: No More Business As Usual
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #689)
The results of the July election present the opportunity for the United States to end business as usual and cultivate a promising relationship with Mexico's new government.
May 19, 2000
The Administration's Failed Gamble in Haiti
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #674)
Rather than continue policies that merely prop up a corrupt and crippled regime, the United States should choose a new course of action that promotes more responsible leadership in Haiti.
March 10, 2000
The President's Flawed Plan to Aid Colombia
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #662)
The Administration's plan for aid to Colombia is neither realistic nor comprehensive enough; therefore Congress must be called on to fix these flaws.
February 25, 2000
How to Bring Freedom to Cuba
By Stephen Johnson
(Executive Memorandum #654)
Instead of reacting to Castro's diversions, the Administration should concentrate its efforts on reaching out to the people in Cuba.
1981 Research
2006 Commentary
December 12, 2006
Peru's Unlikely Capitalist
By Stephen Johnson
At a time when an anti-U.S. leader like Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is doing everything to drive a wedge between Latin America and the United States, you would think American lawmakers would be eager to confirm free-trade agreements with allies such as Peru.
September 23, 2006
Trash talk at the U.N.
By Stephen Johnson
There was plenty of sulfur in the air at the United Nations on Wednesday, but it wasn’t coming from George W. Bush. It was in the fire and brimstone of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
September 16, 2006
New role for a sore loser
By Stephen Johnson
Now that Mexico's electoral tribunal has reviewed ballots from contested voting stations and found no widespread fraud in the July 2 elections, losing presidential contender Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador should concede defeat and call off disruptive demonstrations that have paralyzed Mexico City.
August 02, 2006
Springtime for Cuba?
By Stephen Johnson
On Monday, July 31, Fidel Castro's secretary read a letter in which the 79-year-old Cuban dictator temporarily purports to delegate authority to his brother Raúl Castro, first vice president of the Council of State and minister of the armed forces.
July 11, 2006
No AMLO
By Stephen Johnson
This month, Mexican voters enjoyed their second truly democratic presidential election since the 2000 vote ended seven decades of single-party rule. For their good faith, they wound up with a minor squabble that's become a major controversy.
June 09, 2006
A Leftist Demagogue Rejected
By Stephen Johnson
On Sunday, June 4, Peruvian voters chose the lesser of two evils and returned a moderate leftist to the presidency instead of a budding demagogue eager to impose the authoritarian policies of Cuba's Fidel Castro and Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez.
April 25, 2006
The Best immigration reform. Stimulating growth south of the border will stem the tide of illegal aliens
By Stephen Johnson
For the past decade, U.S. lawmakers have put off immigration reform because nobody could agree on how best to regulate the flow. They still can't, as Washington's recent sorry scramble to craft a fix attests.
March 06, 2006
Hugo Chavez, imperialist
By Stephen Johnson
Dictators and strongmen enjoy basking in their own glory. Spain's Generalisimo Francisco Franco waved from balconies to arranged crowds.
January 17, 2006
Castro Puppet in Bolivia?
By Stephen Johnson
If there's one thing that Evo Morale's recent electoral victory in Bolivia has proved, it's that numbers matter. And not just the number of votes.
2005 Commentary
November 22, 2005
Americas Summit Scoreboard
By Stephen Johnson
By most press accounts, President Bush took a pounding at the recent Americas Summit in Mar del Plata, Argentina. But two other presidents, Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, have the most bruises --
