Republicans escalate criticism against Chávez, Castro brothers

Wining the Hispanic vote is one of the primary purposes of Republican candidates taking part in the US primaries. To attain such goal, politicians try to make a difference between the current Democratic Administration by promising a more strenuous foreign policy, particularly with regard to Venezuela and Cuba.

"I think that, generally, Republicans' tone and style is harsher and unilateral; however, in the practice, I do not think it will change that much," explained Michael Shifter, the head of the Inter-American Dialogue.

One of the reasons for keeping the same trend in US-Latin America diplomatic relations is the financial crisis lambasting the United States. "A tougher foreign policy is possible only when the economic situation improves," the expert affirmed.

Nevertheless, despite the crisis, the number of Cuban and Venezuelans residents has made the Castro brothers and Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez an issue for electioneering.

Shifter recommends "multilateral relations" as part of the foreign policy with both Cuba and Venezuela, as well as ties with neighboring countries, such as Colombia

As for Venezuela, the expert in Latin American policy fears a deadlock. "Much caution must be exerted in having a sensible policy which cannot be counterproductive and not falling into President Chávez's games."

Beyond Cuba and Venezuela, the next occupant in the White House from January 2013 has his hands already filled with the Iranian nuclear threat, China's economic expansion, and the border affair with Mexico. The latter, in Shifter's words, is the "most important bilateral relation in the world" for the United States.

Knowing for sure whether the relations will change is impossible, yet promises abound.

Translated by Conchita Delgado