North America: time for a focus

In: Independent task force report 71

Abstract

"North America was once called the New World. The people, their ideas, and the resources of the continent shaped the histories of the Old World -- East and West. Today, North America is home to almost five hundred million people living in three vibrant democracies. If the three North American countries deepen their integration and cooperation, they have the potential to again shape world affairs for generations to come ... The people of North America are creating a shared culture. It is not a common culture, because citizens of the United States, Canada, and Mexico are proud of their distinctive identities. Yet when viewed from a global perspective, the similarities in interests and outlooks are pulling North Americans together. The foundation exists for North America to foster a new model of interstate relations among neighbors, both developing and developed democracies. Now is the moment for the United States to break free from old foreign policy biases to recognize that a stronger, more dynamic, resilient continental base will increase U.S. power globally. 'Made in North America' can be the label of the newest growth market. U.S. foreign policy -- whether drawing on hard, soft, or smart power -- needs to start with its own neighborhood"--