Claver-Carone discusses Trump’s ‘unpredictability’ as a strategic advantage regarding relations with Venezuela and Cuba. He critiques USAID and regional banks while expressing support for Sheinbaum in Mexico and highlighting potential sanctions against Nicaragua. His remarks on Venezuela suggest a complex negotiation landscape underpinned by a strategic, albeit chaotic, diplomatic approach.
Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. special envoy to the Americas, openly discusses President Trump’s unconventional approach toward Venezuela and Cuba, referring to it as an asset. Claver-Carone, a Cuban-American and former IADB president, critiques the effectiveness of USAID and suggests reevaluating foreign aid, labeling regional organizations like IADB as ineffective.
He also expresses support for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, contradicting Trump’s more aggressive tariff threats, asserting Sheinbaum’s leadership can stabilize Mexico and reduce migration. Claver-Carone argues that the pursuit of eliminating drug cartels is crucial for enhancing Mexico’s stability.
Regarding Nicaragua, he indicates progress in efforts to potentially expel the country from CAFTA, which would severely impact its economy. On Argentina, he downplays the likelihood of free trade agreements under Trump, suggesting that investment promotions would be more feasible.
He defends Trump’s actions toward Venezuela, maintaining that recent agreements with Maduro were strategic rather than concessions. Claver-Carone insists that unpredictability in U.S. strategy keeps adversaries uncertain and serves as a deterrent to predictable government actions.
Claver-Carone’s views highlight a controversial and strategic approach by the Trump administration toward Latin America, emphasizing unpredictability as beneficial. His insights range from critiques of regional institutions to a focus on strong leadership in Mexico and evolving diplomatic strategies with Venezuela and Nicaragua. However, the potential effectiveness of such an approach remains subject to scrutiny as it often leads to inconsistent policies and interpretations.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
