Stalling the Colombia FTA: A Major Blow to U.S. Public Diplomacy

Publication Date: April 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Anthony B. Kim

Research Area: Trade

Keywords: Trade and foreign aid; Colombia; Trade Policy; public diplomacy

Type: Brief

Coverage: Colombia

Abstract:

In the Democratic response to President George W. Bush's 2004 State of the Union Address, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said, "As a nation we must show our greatness, not just our strength. America must be a light to the world, not just a missile." Four years later, in a volatile presidential election year, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has deployed a legislative "missile" at the front line of U.S. foreign policy: free trade with an important ally, Colombia.